Portugal booked their place in the World Cup last 16 after Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner to seal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia. The late strike came moments after Croatia had a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out for offside following a VAR review, sending Portugal through to face European champions, Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Croatia took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Ivan Perisic fired into the bottom corner after Ruben Dias failed to fully clear a cross. Igor Matanovic thought he had doubled the advantage two minutes later, but his close-range finish was ruled out for offside against Nikola Vlasic in the build-up.
Portugal had controlled much of the first half and came close to levelling after the break, with Rafael Leao striking the crossbar before Cristiano Ronaldo had a delicate chipped finish disallowed for a marginal offside.
The equaliser eventually arrived from the penalty spot after VAR awarded Portugal a spot-kick for a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner. Ronaldo converted calmly to score his first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, bringing Portugal back into the contest.
Croatia continued to threaten, with Mateo Kovacic forcing two saves from Diogo Costa before Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one situation. Petar Sucic also found the net after latching onto a through ball from Kovacic, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
With extra time looming, Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute and left the pitch visibly frustrated. Both sides squandered late headed chances before Ramos rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leao, powering home the decisive goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net in the 103rd minute, but VAR disallowed the goal after determining that Mario Pasalic had received the ball from a slight touch by Matanovic while in an offside position.
Portugal will now face Spain in the World Cup round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, 6 July.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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