Portugal secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16 in a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia and substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage time winner in a thriller knockout game that erupted as the game got going after an uneventful first half. Cristiano Ronaldo had another big moment in his international career in the first World Cup knockout stage goal, and Ramos delivered the deciding strike in the 94th minute to send Portugal through.
In Toronto, the game was very promising and no points were scored in the first 45 minutes. Both teams played in a rather cautious way and in the end were more concerned with keeping their defense than attacking. Portugal and Croatia were not able to produce any clear-cut chances and neither team reached even 1.0 expected goals (xG) so there was no attacking threat in both teams. In the midfield possession was traded and both goalkeepers were largely untested as the game was struggling to find any rhythm.
The game had completely changed after halftime.
Croatia came back from the break with much more urgency and finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. Veteran winger Ivan Perisic latched onto a perfectly timed through ball and finished his strike under the advancing Diogo Costa, giving Croatia a fine 1-0 lead after a much brighter start to the second half.
Portugal responded almost instantly and thought they had equalised when Cristiano Ronaldo successfully controlled a long pass before finishing clinically. But celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised the flag for offside and VAR confirmed the decision.
Roberto Martinez’s side continued to push forward and eventually found their breakthrough in the 68th minute. Defender Renato Veiga was brought down in the penalty area after being held by Nikola Vlasic in a set piece situation. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
There was little doubt who would take responsibility. Ronaldo confidently stepped up and fired his penalty straight down the middle, beating the Croatian goalkeeper to make it 1-1. The goal was very special as it was the Portuguese captain’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup and another great achievement in his extraordinary career.
Even though Croatia gave up the equaliser, they still looked the more dangerous team. Mateo Kovacic came agonisingly close to getting back in the lead when his powerful low strike was brilliantly pushed onto the post by Diogo Costa with a fingertip save. Croatia was also denied by the offside flag again with Peta Sucic.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute and replaced Ruben Neves as Portugal tried to inject some fresh energy into the final stages. Croatia attacked and Mario Pasalic almost won the game with a powerful header at the far post, but it was inches away.
Portugal had delivered the decisive moment just when extra time seemed possible.
Rafael Leao delivered a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time with a precise cross into the penalty area. Substitute Goncalo Ramos was able to time his run and powered a header past the Croatian goalkeeper in the 90+4th minute and the Portuguese players and supporters erupted in celebration.
Croatia thought they had salvaged the game in the last seconds when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net. But their joy was short-lived as the assistant referee indicated offside and VAR confirmed the decision, putting Croatian hopes of extra time to rest.
Portugal held on at the final whistle to win the 2-1 victory and progress to Round 16. Roberto Martinez’s men will now prepare for a blockbuster clash with the European champions Spain in Dallas after a hard fight back from a tough Croatian side. Portugal will have great hope of going to the next round again in the hope of a place in the tournament and Ramos can once more serve as a substitute in one of their most eagerly awaited games.
