Ronaldo, Ramos score as Portugal eliminate Croatia 2–1 to reach World Cup last 16

Goncalo Ramos struck a dramatic 94th-minute winner after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, as Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia and book a place in the last 16.

Ramos, who came off the bench in the second half, rose above two Croatian defenders to head home a superb cross from Rafael Leao just as the thrilling encounter appeared destined for extra time.

Croatia thought they had rescued the contest in the 13th minute of stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled out the goal for offside.

Replays showed that Igor Matanovic made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position prior to Gvardiol’s finish.

Portugal controlled much of the first half, but Croatia came alive after the break.

Ivan Perisic fired Croatia ahead eight minutes into the second half after Ruben Dias could only partially clear a cross into the penalty area.

Two minutes later, Matanovic thought he had doubled Croatia’s advantage with a close-range finish, but the offside flag denied him after Nikola Vlasic was adjudged to have strayed offside.

Portugal responded with urgency.

Leao rattled the crossbar with a curling effort, while Ronaldo had a delicate chipped finish ruled out for a marginal offside.

Moments later, Portugal were awarded a penalty after VAR spotted a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner kick.

Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and draw Portugal level.

Croatia continued to threaten, with Mateo Kovacic forcing Diogo Costa into two excellent saves before Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one situation.

Petar Sucic also found the net after a brilliant through ball from Kovacic, but the assistant referee once again ruled the goal out for offside.

Ronaldo, who became the oldest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match at 41, was visibly frustrated when he was substituted in the 81st minute.

Both sides squandered late chances before Ramos finally settled the contest with a towering header deep into stoppage time.

Portugal will now face European champions Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, July 6.

The match also marked the end of Luka Modric’s World Cup journey, with the Croatian captain producing another composed midfield display despite the heartbreaking defeat.

After the final whistle, Portugal’s celebrations carried extra emotion as the squad honoured the memory of former international Diogo Jota, whose death occurred almost exactly one year ago. Ronaldo wore Jota’s jersey and led his teammates to acknowledge the supporters.

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