Portugal reach World Cup last 16 after Ramos strikes late against Croatia

TORONTO: Portugal booked a place in the World Cup last 16 on Thursday when substitute Goncalo Ramos scored deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic win over Croatia in a tightly contested match.

Ramos got on the end of a precise delivery from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of added time, sealing a victory that came after Croatia had fashioned the greater share of opportunities in difficult evening conditions in Toronto. The late goal sent Portugal through to a last-16 meeting with Spain in Dallas on Monday.

The closing moments brought further drama when Croatia believed they had found an equaliser in the dying seconds, only for Josko Gvardiol’s effort to be ruled out for offside. The decision left the Croatian players stunned, while Portugal celebrated advancing to the next round.

Croatia had gone in front in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, who finished under the advancing Diogo Costa to put Portugal under pressure. Ronaldo appeared to respond quickly and had the ball in the net after bringing down a long pass, but the effort was disallowed for offside.

Portugal eventually levelled from the penalty spot after Renato Veiga was pulled by Nikola Vlasic inside the area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Cristiano Ronaldo converted comfortably by sending the ball straight down the middle. It was Ronaldo’s first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup.

The match remained open throughout, with Croatia continuing to create danger. Mateo Kovacic, the Manchester City midfielder, forced Costa into a save that pushed a low shot onto the post. Peta Sucic later had the ball in the net, but the assistant referee had already flagged for a clear offside.

Ronaldo was taken off in the 81st minute, with Ruben Neves coming on in his place. Croatia still threatened to snatch the game, and Mario Pasalic came close with a header at the far post that bounced just wide.

But Portugal found the decisive moment at the end, with Ramos’s header settling a gripping contest and sending his side into the knockout stage.