Gonçalo Ramos strikes late as Portugal edge Croatia to reach World Cup last 16
Substitute Gonçalo Ramos scored deep in added time to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia and a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, where Spain await.
Match recap
Portugal fell behind early but fought back to level the score before Ramos, introduced from the bench, delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. The 2-1 win in their final group fixture secured passage to the round of 16 and set up an Iberian derby against Spain.
Ramos the hero
Ramos, now at AC Milan, has built a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments and he did so again at this World Cup. He revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo had told him he would be important, and that he had promised his teammates in the dressing room he would score if he got on the pitch.
Whoever knows me already knows. If you need a goal, call Gonçalo Ramos. This goal is a relief and a demonstration of strength and character.
Looking ahead to Spain
Portugal now face neighbours Spain in the first knockout round. Ramos stressed the need for recovery and focus, warning that from now on any slip means elimination. The squad will analyse their performance and aim to be at their best.
Now we have to rest and prepare for the next game. We will analyse the match and see what we are doing well. From now on we have to be at our best, otherwise we go home.
Coach's view
Head coach Roberto Martínez expressed pride in his team's reaction after conceding first. He said the message before the match was that the World Cup truly begins now, and that the players had shown the spirit required to represent Portugal.
The message was that we were ready, after three demanding matches. The World Cup started today, play with pride and represent Portugal, and we did that. It is a special team, after conceding the goal and reacting.
