Portugal edges Croatia 2-1 in World Cup round of 32 as Ronaldo and Ramos strike late
Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, setting up a round-of-16 clash with Spain.
Late drama in Toronto
Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup round of 32 at BMO Field. Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute, finishing from a Josip Stanisic assist. Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after a VAR review, and substitute Goncalo Ramos struck the winner deep into added time (90+4') from a Rafael Leao pass. Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Josko Gvardiol found the net in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed for offside after another VAR check.
- Kick-off at BMO Field, Toronto
- Ivan Perisic scores for Croatia (0-1)
- VAR awards penalty to Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo equalises from the spot (1-1)
- Goncalo Ramos scores stoppage-time winner (2-1)
- Josko Gvardiol goal disallowed for offside after VAR review
Portugal dominated possession and created more chances, but needed the late interventions to avoid a penalty shootout. The match was a tense affair, with yellow cards for Ruben Dias, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. The victory sends Portugal into a last-16 meeting with Spain, who earlier eliminated Austria.
Group stage struggles
Both teams arrived with questions after inconsistent group campaigns. Portugal finished second in Group K, drawing with DR Congo (1-1) and Colombia (0-0) either side of a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan. Croatia lost 4-2 to England in their opener, then recovered with 1-0 and 2-1 wins over Panama and Ghana to progress from Group L.
Coaches' pre-match words
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic had predicted the midfield battle would be decisive.
He also dismissed Portugal's group-stage wobbles.I am sure that is where the battle will take place.
I expect a motivated, powerful opponent, with a lot of quality. But that is what I also expect from my team.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez framed the knockout phase as a fresh start.
He described the three group matches as difficult.We will begin the second World Cup; the preparation has been very important.
What's next
Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16, a fixture that pits two European heavyweights against each other. For Croatia, the defeat likely marks the end of an era, with Luka Modric (40) and Ivan Perisic (37) among the veterans who may have played their last World Cup match. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, continues his quest for a first World Cup title in what he has indicated will be his final tournament.
