Ramos stoppage-time header sends Portugal past Croatia at World Cup

Portugal advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 on Thursday with a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Toronto Stadium, as Gonçalo Ramos headed in a stoppage-time winner to complete a dramatic comeback and set up a clash with Spain.latimes+2

The match swung on three pivotal moments in a second half that will be remembered as one of the tournament's most intense. Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute — scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal at the age of 41. Then, deep in stoppage time, Ramos rose to head home from a cross and send Portugal through.foxsports+2

Ronaldo Makes History

Ronaldo's penalty was a milestone in a career defined by them. The Portuguese captain, who has said this is "definitely" his last World Cup, had never previously scored in a knockout round despite appearing in five prior tournaments. The goal brought visible relief from the 41-year-old, whose earlier free kick was blocked and whose header went wide in a frustrating first half that ended goalless.ctvnews+2

Portugal dominated possession throughout but struggled to create clear chances before halftime, with Croatia content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.latimes

VAR Controversy Mars Final Minutes

The match ended in acrimony when Croatia had what appeared to be a late equalizer disallowed following a VAR review for offside. The decision, involving a touch from Igor Matanović that was ruled to have come from an offside position, drew fierce protests from Croatian players and staff. Croatia, whose World Cup run included a group-stage loss to England, exits the tournament after what captain Luka Modrić, 40, is expected to be his final international appearance.reddit+3

Portugal to Face Spain

Portugal, who finished second in Group K with one win from three matches, will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Dallas. Spain advanced earlier Thursday with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria at SoFi Stadium. The Iberian derby promises to be one of the highlights of the next round, pitting Ronaldo against Lamine Yamal's emerging Spanish side on a 34-match unbeaten run.sports.yahoo+2