Portugal reach last 16 after late Ramos winner and VAR drama against Croatia

TORONTO: Portugal advanced to the World Cup last 16 on Thursday after Goncalo Ramos scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Croatia in a match that ended amid VAR drama.

Ramos, introduced from the bench, headed in from a Rafael Leao delivery in the fourth minute of stoppage time to settle a tense contest played in heavy heat in Toronto. Croatia, who had created more of the opportunities for long spells, thought they had forced extra-time drama of their own in the closing moments, but Josko Gvardiol's effort was ruled out for offside following a review.

The decision left Croatia's players and supporters stunned, with fans throwing rubbish onto the pitch. Moments before the disallowed goal, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and members of the bench had been appealing urgently to the match officials for the final whistle.

Ronaldo levels after Perisic opener

After a quiet first half, Croatia moved ahead in the 53rd minute when veteran forward Ivan Perisic finished under Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Portugal soon had the ball in the net through Cristiano Ronaldo after he brought down a long pass, but that attempt was also ruled out for offside.

Portugal were then awarded a penalty after Renato Veiga was held in the area by Nikola Vlasic, with the referee pointing to the spot after a VAR check. Ronaldo converted confidently, striking down the middle to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout match. The goal also made him the oldest player to score in the knockout phase of the tournament.

Ronaldo was taken off in the 81st minute for Ruben Neves, with the sellout crowd of 43,000 applauding as he left the field. Croatia's supporters, however, loudly booed whenever he was on the ball during the game.

Croatia threaten but Portugal finish late

Croatia continued to carry much of the attacking threat. Mateo Kovacic, of Manchester City, saw a low effort pushed onto the post by Costa, while Petar Sucic also found the net only for the assistant referee to flag for a clear offside. Mario Pasalic later came close with a header at the far post that went just wide.

Portugal ultimately found the decisive moment through Ramos, whose header sent them into the next round, where they will face Spain in Dallas on Monday. After the match, Ronaldo spent time speaking with Croatia captain Luka Modric, in a meeting between two of football's leading figures. The match was also notable for being the first World Cup game in which two outfield players aged over 40 appeared on the same pitch.

Portugal's players marked the occasion by holding up the number 21 shirt of late teammate Diogo Jota, who, was killed in a car crash a year ago. In the build-up to the game, Ronaldo's presence in Toronto had drawn major attention, with hundreds of fans lining a highway on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of the Portugal team bus, forcing the closure of a multi-lane expressway.