Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match before Gonçalo Ramos struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Portugal into the Round of 16 with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia.
The pulsating encounter appeared destined for extra time until Ramos, introduced as a second-half substitute, rose highest in the 94th minute to head home a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leão, sealing Portugal’s place in the next round.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time in the 13th minute of stoppage time when Joško Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net. However, following a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the goal was ruled out for offside after replays showed Igor Matanović had made a slight touch before the ball reached Mario Pašalić, who was in an offside position during the build-up.
Portugal controlled much of the first half but found themselves trailing early in the second period when veteran winger Ivan Perišić fired a powerful effort into the corner after Rúben Dias failed to fully clear a cross.
Croatia looked to have doubled their advantage moments later as Matanović finished confidently at the near post, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny the striker because teammate Nikola Vlašić had strayed offside in the attacking move.
Portugal responded with renewed urgency as Leão struck the crossbar with a curling effort, while Ronaldo had a delicate chipped finish disallowed for a marginal offside before finally getting on the scoresheet to inspire the comeback.
Ramos’ late intervention ultimately proved decisive, extending Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup as they advanced to the last 16 in dramatic fashion.
Elsewhere, reigning European champions Spain produced another commanding display by defeating Austria 3-0 to secure their first World Cup knockout victory in 16 years and book a place in the Round of 16.
Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal was the standout performer, scoring twice to continue his impressive tournament and underline his reputation for delivering on the biggest occasions.
Despite the attention surrounding teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Oyarzabal remains one of Spain’s most influential players.
“It’s so clear that Yamal is the leader of the side, that everything everybody does has to do with him,” Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Mikel Oyarzabal is the invisible man. He has scored in every final he has ever played. He is one of the most intelligent players we have and he is the other one who can be a match-winner.”
All eyes on Argentina against Cape Verde later on.
