Goncalo Ramos snatches dramatic late win for Portugal over Croatia
Goncalo Ramos scored a 94th-minute winner as Portugal broke Croatian hearts with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory to reach the World Cup round of 16
Cristiano Ronaldo finally broke his knockout stage duck before super-sub Goncalo Ramos headed a dramatic 94th-minute winner as Portugal edged a chaotic and pulsating 2-1 victory over Croatia to reach the World Cup round of 16.
In an absorbing contest in Toronto, Roberto Martinez’s side were forced to show immense resilience after falling behind early in the second half. Following a cagey opening 45 minutes where Portugal dominated possession but struggled to penetrate a resolute Croatian rearguard, the match exploded into life after the interval.
Croatia, the 2018 runners-up, struck first in the 53rd minute. Taking advantage of newfound space, veteran winger Ivan Perisic latched onto a cross from Josip Stanisic and lashed a clinical finish past Diogo Costa into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations from the strong Croatian contingent inside the stadium.
However, Portugal’s talisman soon seized his moment. In the 68th minute, after Renato Veiga was hauled down in the box by Nikola Vlasic, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to the penalty spot. Boasting nerves of steel, the 41-year-old drilled the ball straight down the middle to level the score, remarkably registering his first-ever goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup tournament.
The frantic finale produced high drama at both ends. Rafael Leao rattled the crossbar with a sensational effort, while Costa was forced into heroics to deny a stinging drive from Mateo Kovacic. Just as the match looked destined for extra time, Leao delivered a spectacular deep cross in the 94th minute. Ramos, who had replaced Ronaldo late in the game, rose highest to plant a majestic header into the top corner.
Croatia launched one final, desperate assault and briefly believed they had salvaged a miraculous equaliser when Josko Gvardiol tapped home deep into added time. However, a lengthy and tense VAR review confirmed Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up, sealing Portugal’s passage to Dallas, where they will face Spain in a mouth-watering Iberian derby.
