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Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash on Thursday, with substitute Goncalo Ramos scoring a stoppage-time winner to send his side into the last 16.
Ramos connected with a superb pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of added time, snuffing out a Croatia team which had created the lion’s share of chances in sapping evening heat at BMO Field.
In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they had equalised in the dying seconds but Josko Gvardiol’s goal was chalked off for offside, leaving the Croatians stunned while Portugal’s players celebrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his role in the victory, stroking home a penalty that cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener. It was Ronaldo’s first ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup.
Perisic had stunned the Portuguese by slotting the ball under advancing goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute. Within minutes, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Portugal equalised when Renato Veiga was brought down by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot, and Ronaldo converted with ease.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute to make way for Ruben Neves.
Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents and Mario Pasalic came close to winning the game with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide. Then, when Ramos connected, the net bulged and Portugal were through.
Portugal will face Spain in Dallas on Monday.
