Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic clash on Thursday to book a Round of 16 meeting with Spain.
Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot before substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home the winner deep into stoppage time. Croatia thought they had forced extra time with a goal in the 103rd minute, but it was ruled out as offside after a VAR review.
The decision left Croatia heartbroken and sparked frustration among their fans, with some throwing debris onto the pitch at Toronto Stadium.
At 41, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in the knockout stage of a World Cup. His penalty in the 68th minute cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener before Ramos completed Portugal’s comeback with a powerful header in the fourth minute of added time.
The goal was especially significant for Ronaldo, as it was his first in a World Cup knockout match. He was substituted in the 81st minute by coach Roberto Martinez.
Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute when Perisic controlled a pass from Josip Stanisic and calmly finished at the far post. The game then opened up, with both teams creating several chances.
Portugal controlled possession for much of the first half but struggled to make their chances count.
Ronaldo, who was loudly booed by Croatia supporters whenever he touched the ball, missed an early chance from Pedro Neto’s cross. He and Bruno Fernandes also failed to connect with another dangerous delivery from Joao Cancelo.
Croatia came out strongly after the break. Mateo Kovacic went close before Perisic broke the deadlock. Nikola Vlasic also thought he had doubled Croatia’s lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Portugal responded quickly. Rafael Leao struck the crossbar from long range, while Ronaldo later had a goal disallowed for offside after cleverly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet when he confidently converted a penalty after Renato Veiga was fouled inside the box by Vlasic.
The match was played just one day before the first death anniversary of Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident.
Before kick-off, Jota’s image wearing the No. 21 shirt was displayed on the stadium’s big screens. Portugal fans also gave him a standing ovation in the 21st minute.
After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo wore Jota’s No. 21 Portugal shirt and struggled to hold back tears.
Portugal will now face Spain in Dallas on Monday, with the winners advancing to a quarter-final against either Belgium or the United States.
