Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday to reach the World Cup round of 16. Croatia had a late equaliser ruled out for offside after a VAR review, reports AP.
The match featured Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his sixth World Cup, against Croatia captain Luka Modrić, making his fifth tournament appearance.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic after a cross from Josip Stanisic.
Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Nikola Vlasic was penalised for holding. It was Ronaldo's first World Cup knockout-stage goal. He was substituted in the 81st minute.
Ramos then headed home the winner in stoppage time to send Portugal into the round of 16, where they will face Spain on Monday.
“First half we dominated the game,” Ronaldo said. “In second half after the goal we get a little bit panic, but this is football.
“After the penalty, I think it was a little bit better for us. We created a few chances and I think at the end of the day we deserved to win the match.”
Croatia thought they had made it 2-2 in the final moments, but Mario Pasalic's goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Croatia fans threw bottles onto the pitch and whistled in protest.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
