Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner as Portugal overcame a spirited Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 tie that featured Ronaldo’s long-awaited knockout goal, multiple offside interventions and a controversial late disallowed equaliser, per the Evening Standard.
PORTUGAL SNATCH IT IN STOPPAGE TIME
It wasn’t pretty. But Portugal are through.
Goncalo Ramos rose highest to head home Rafael Leao’s cross in stoppage time, sending Portugal into the last 16 at Croatia’s expense in a frantic, drama-filled encounter.
Croatia drew first blood when veteran defender Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock with a clinical close-range finish after Diogo Costa had made two smart saves early in the second half.
Portugal hit back through Ronaldo, who converted from the penalty spot after Nikola Vlasic inexplicably grabbed Renato Veiga in a rugby-style tackle at a corner. The goal ended Ronaldo’s long wait for a World Cup knockout match strike.
Croatia twice came agonisingly close to retaking the lead through Kovacic, who bent an effort against the post before seeing a follow-up tipped over. Luka Sucic then had a goal ruled out for offside in the 80th minute.
Ramos settled it with his stoppage-time header — but Croatia thought they had levelled when Gvardiol prodded home in the 12th minute of added time, only for the referee to rule Matanovic had flicked the ball from an offside position.
Portugal advance to the Round of 16. For Luka Modric and Croatia, the World Cup is over.
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