Cristiano Ronaldo finally achieved a long-awaited FIFA World Cup milestone as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter, with substitute Gonçalo Ramos scoring a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez’s side into the Round of 16.
Portugal will now face Spain in a blockbuster knockout clash after surviving a tense finish that included a late Croatian goal being ruled out following a VAR review.
Ronaldo Ends World Cup Knockout Goal Wait
The match marked another historic chapter in Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary international career.
Already the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, Ronaldo finally registered his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match after converting a penalty in the 68th minute.
The Portuguese captain calmly slotted home from the spot after Nikola Vlašić was adjudged to have fouled Renato Veiga inside the penalty area, bringing Portugal level after Croatia had taken the lead.
Earlier in the second half, Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside before eventually finding the net.
Croatia Strike First Through Ivan Perišić
After an entertaining but goalless first half, Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
Veteran winger Ivan Perišić fired a low shot across goal to beat the Portuguese goalkeeper, giving Luka Modrić’s side a crucial advantage.
Despite controlling possession for long spells, Portugal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities until Croatia’s opener sparked the contest into life.
Gonçalo Ramos Delivers Late Winner
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez made a bold decision by replacing Ronaldo in the 81st minute.
The substitution proved decisive.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to meet Rafael Leão’s inviting cross, powering a header into the net in the 94th minute to complete Portugal’s comeback and send their supporters into celebration.
The dramatic late goal secured Portugal’s place in the Round of 16.
VAR Denies Croatia Dramatic Equaliser
Croatia believed they had rescued the match deep into injury time when the ball found the back of the net during a frantic finish.
However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up, preserving Portugal’s slender advantage.
The decision ended Croatia’s hopes of forcing extra time and confirmed Portugal’s progression in the tournament.
Portugal Set Up Blockbuster Clash With Spain
The victory keeps Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream alive as Portugal advance to face Spain in one of the biggest fixtures of the Round of 16.
The encounter also appears likely to mark the end of an era for Croatia, with veteran captain Luka Modrić potentially having played his final FIFA World Cup match.
Portugal, meanwhile, will head into the next round with renewed confidence after producing a dramatic comeback led by Ronaldo’s historic milestone and Ramos’ late heroics.
