Goncalo Ramos came off the bench to score a dramatic 94th-minute winner as Portugal came from behind to stun Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, booking their place in the World Cup last 16.
After a goalless first half, Croatia grabbed the opener through Ivan Perisic before Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, converting from the penalty spot to level the score 13 minutes later.
Ramos then emerged as the hero, rising above the defenders to head home the winner. In a dramatic finale, Croatia thought they had snatched an equaliser in the dying seconds, but Man City’sJosko Gvardiol’s goal was ruled out for offside.
The Croatians were left stunned by the decision, while Portugal’s players celebrated as they secured a thrilling last-16 clash against Spain on Monday in Dallas.
Perisic had shocked the Portuguese by slotting the ball under the advancing Portugal goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, in the 53rd minute.
Within minutes, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Portugal eventually drew level when Renato Veiga was brought down by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, drilling the ball straight down the middle before pumping his fists in celebration.
In an end-to-end contest, Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic saw his low shot tipped onto the post by Costa’s fingertips.
Croatia kept pressing, and Petar Sucic found the back of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for a clear offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute, making way for Ruben Neves.
Croatia continued to carve out more chances than their opponents, and Mario Pasalic came agonisingly close to winning the match with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide.
However, when Ramos connected with the cross, the net bulged, sending Portugal through to the last 16.
