Ronaldo’s Portugal Come From Behind to Beat Croatia 2-1 and Set Up Spain Clash
Portugal fought back to edge Croatia 2-1 and advance to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in dramatic fashion.
Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute. The Croats thought they had doubled it a minute later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Portugal also had a Cristiano Ronaldo strike canceled for offside in the 61st minute.
Portugal levelled from the spot in the 66th minute after being awarded a penalty, which they converted to make it 1-1 by Cristiano Ronaldo. Croatia came close in the 74th minute when Kovacević struck the post, and Susić later had another effort disallowed for offside.
The winner arrived deep in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head into the far corner and send Portugal through. Croatia pushed for an equaliser, but Joško Gvardiol’s goal in the 113th minute was also chalked off for offside.
Record for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo wrote more history on the night. At 41 years and 147 days, he became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history, surpassing Pepe and Cameroon legend Roger Milla. Ronaldo was named Player of the Match.[39][38]
Portugal will now face Iberian rivals Spain in the Round of 16.