PORTUGAL INTO ROUND OF 16 AS VAR DENIES CROATIA
TORONTO — A 94th-minute header from substitute Gonçalo Ramos propelled Portugal into the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Croatia at Toronto Stadium on Thursday night, bringing a heartbreaking end to Luka Modrić’s legendary World Cup career.
The Round of 32 clash exploded into life during a breathless second half after a tactical, scoreless opening period. Ivan Perišić broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, firing Croatia into the lead and stunning the heavily Portuguese crowd.
Portugal’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, making history as the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout stage.
With extra time looming, manager Roberto Martínez substituted Ronaldo—a gamble that paid off in spectacular fashion. Deep into stoppage time, Rafael Leão delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing Ramos to rise above the defense and power home the match-winner.
The drama peaked in the 103rd minute of an extended 15-minute stoppage time. Croatia thought they had equalized when Joško Gvardiol poked the ball into the net, triggering wild celebrations. However, a lengthy VAR review utilized the official match ball’s embedded microchip technology to confirm an offside infringement by Mario Pašalić in the buildup, chalking off the goal.
Portugal hangs on to face rivals Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 matchup, while Croatia bows out of the tournament.
MATCH STATS
Score: Portugal 2, Croatia 1
Goals: POR: Ronaldo (68′ P), Ramos (94′) | CRO: Perišić (53′)
Shots (On Target): POR: 15 (3) | CRO: 13 (7)
Possession: POR: 62% | CRO: 38%
Yellow Cards: POR: Dias | CRO: Modrić, Perišić
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