Portugal Edge Croatia in World Cup Drama as VAR Call Seals Ronaldo’s Last-16 Passage
Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto to advance to the World Cup last 16, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo converting from the penalty spot and substitute Gonçalo Ramos notching a crucial 94th-minute header to decide a chaotic second-half encounter. The match carried added significance as Ronaldo seeks to extend what many view as his final World Cup campaign, with both sides competing fiercely for progression.
A decisive late VAR review denied Croatia a lifeline when Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal was ruled out for offside, extinguishing the Balkan nation's hopes of snatching an equaliser in the frantic closing stages. Portugal's win sets up a Round of 16 fixture against Spain, continuing Ronaldo's bid to leave a mark on his tournament swan song.
- Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 with goals from Ronaldo (penalty) and Ramos to advance to the Round of 16
- VAR disallowed Gvardiol's late equaliser for offside, a pivotal decision that sealed Portugal's progression
- Portugal will face Spain next; Ronaldo's farewell World Cup campaign continues
Coverage
- BBC Sport — Huge VAR call prolongs Ronaldo’s last dance but ends Modric’s
- BBC Sport — Portugal through to last 16 after dramatic victory over Croatia
- BBC Sport — Victorious Portugal pay emotional tribute to Jota
- Fox News — VAR denies Croatia’s game-tying goal as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to Round of 16
- The Guardian — Ramos sends Portugal into last 16 as VAR drama caps wild finish against Croatia
- BBC Sport — Late VAR drama as Croatia denied equaliser
- BBC Sport — Ronaldo levels from penalty spot for Portugal