Goncalo Ramos came on as a substitute and scored the dramatic 94th-minute winner as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Toronto and secure their place in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
After a goalless first half, Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic before Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup 13 minutes later, equalizing from the penalty spot.
Then Ramos proved to be a hero, towering over the defenders and heading home the winning goal. In a dramatic finale, Croatia thought they had equalized in the dying seconds, but Man City’s Josko Gvardiol’s goal was ruled out for offside.
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Croatians were stunned by the decision, while Portugal’s players celebrated as they secured a thrilling last-16 tie against Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Perisic had shocked the Portuguese by slipping the ball under the advancing Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute.
A few minutes later, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his attempt was disallowed for offside.
Portugal finally equalized when Renato Veiga was brought down in the penalty area by Croatian Nikola Vlasic. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, driving the ball straight down the middle before clenching his fists in celebration.
In a neck-and-neck race, Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic saw his low shot deflected onto the post by Costa’s fingertips.
Croatia continued to press forward and Petar Sucic found the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised, indicating a clear offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute to make way for Ruben Neves.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 agonizingly close to victory with a header at the far post, but the ball went just wide.
But when Ramos hit the cross, the goal burst and Portugal went into the round of 16.
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