Portugal booked their place in the World Cup last 16 after a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in Toronto, a match decided by late VAR controversy and extra-time tension.
Cristiano Ronaldo kept his World Cup dream alive with a composed penalty after Croatia had taken the lead, while substitute Gonçalo Ramos struck a late winner to seal victory and set up a mouth-watering clash with Spain.
The game appeared destined for even more chaos when Josko Gvardiol thought he had scored an 113th-minute equaliser for Croatia. However, VAR intervened, using advanced tracking technology to rule the goal out for offside in the build-up after a very tight review.
Croatia had earlier taken control in the second half when Ivan Perišić fired them into the lead, punishing a sluggish Portugal side that struggled to create clear chances in the opening stages.
Portugal responded under pressure, with Ronaldo converting from the penalty spot after a VAR check awarded the spot-kick for a foul on Diogo Jota. It was his first knockout-stage World Cup goal and a reminder of his enduring influence on the biggest stage.
Ronaldo, who had been subbed off before the end of extra time, watched on as Portugal found a late breakthrough. Rafael Leão delivered a dangerous cross in added time, and Ramos rose to glance home a decisive header that looked to have settled the tie.
But Croatia refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time, Gvardiol appeared to have forced extra time with a close-range finish, only for VAR to intervene again and rule the goal out, sparking furious protests from the Croatian bench.
For Croatia captain Luka Modrić, the result may have marked a heartbreaking end to his World Cup career at age 40, as his side were left to reflect on what might have been after coming within seconds of another dramatic escape.
Portugal now turn their attention to Spain in the last 16, a rematch of recent high-stakes meetings between two of Europe’s heavyweight sides.
Speaking after the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić criticised the officiating, saying VAR “kills emotions,” while Portugal manager Roberto Martínez defended the decision, insisting the call was correct under the rules.
Gonçalo Ramos said he relished the pressure moments.
“It’s difficult because if you don’t win, you go home,” he said. “But I love those moments. I want to play every game like that and be in the big moments.”
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