Substitute Goncalo Ramos’s headed aim edged Portugal into the final 16 of the World Cup on Thursday after a gripping contest with Croatia.
Ramos linked with an outstanding cross from Rafael Leao within the fourth minute of stoppage time to snuff out a Croatia staff which had created the lion’s share of the probabilities in sapping night warmth in Toronto.
In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they’d equalized within the dying seconds however Josko Gvardiol’s aim was chalked off for offside.
The Croatians had been left surprised by the choice, whereas Portugal’s gamers celebrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo performed his function within the victory, stroking dwelling a penalty that canceled out Ivan Perisic’s opener.
It was Ronaldo’s first ever aim within the knockout section of the World Cup and his outstanding worldwide profession could have one other chapter when Portugal faces Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Perisic had surprised the Portuguese by slotting the ball below the advancing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa within the 53rd minute.
Inside minutes, Ronaldo had the ball within the web after controlling an extended cross, however his effort was disallowed for offside.
However Portugal received stage when Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic within the penalty space and after a VAR examine, the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo stepped as much as convert the penalty with ease, hitting the ball straight down the center of the aim and pumping his fists with pleasure afterwards.
In a pulsating recreation, Manchester Metropolis ahead Mateo Kovacic’s low shot was pushed onto a publish by ‘keeper Costa’s fingertips.
Nonetheless Croatia pushed and Peta Sucic had the ball within the web however the assistant referee’s flag was up for a transparent offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn within the 81st minute to permit Ruben Neves to come back on.
Croatia continued to create extra possibilities than their opponents and Mario Pasalic got here so near profitable the sport with a header on the far publish, but it surely bounced simply huge.
However when Ramos linked, the web bulged and Portugal had been via.
