Guwahati: Portugal secured a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after rallying from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half penalty and a stoppage-time winner from substitute Gonรงalo Ramos sealed the victory, while Croatia’s hopes were dashed after VAR overturned a late equaliser.
The highly anticipated encounter, featuring two of football’s most decorated veterans-Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric remained evenly balanced in the opening half, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute when Ivan Periลกi? finished off a well-crafted attacking move, giving Zlatko Dalic’s side the advantage and putting Portugal on the back foot.
Portugal responded with sustained pressure and restored parity in the 68th minute after the referee pointed to the spot following a VAR review that confirmed a foul inside the Croatian penalty area. Ronaldo calmly converted the penalty, becoming the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match and netting his maiden goal in the competition’s knockout rounds.
With the contest heading towards extra time, Portugal produced the decisive moment in first-half stoppage time. Rafael Leรฃo burst down the left wing before delivering a precise cross into the box, where Gonรงalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winner in the 91st minute.
Croatia appeared to have snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into added time when Joลกko Gvardiol found the net. However, the celebrations were cut short after a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out for offside. Match officials concluded that Igor Matanovic had made the slightest touch before the ball reached Gvardiol, leaving the Croatian defender in an offside position. The decision prompted strong protests from the Croatian players but was upheld.
The victory sends Roberto Martรญnez’s Portugal into a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against Spain, who progressed after defeating Austria 3-0.
For Croatia, the defeat brought an agonising end to their World Cup journey. The match also marked what is expected to be the final World Cup showdown between Ronaldo and Modri?, bringing the curtain down on one of international football’s most iconic rivalries.
Portugal will now shift their focus to their clash with Spain, while Croatia bow out after a spirited campaign that ended in heartbreak following one of the tournament’s most controversial VAR decisions.