Portugal secured a dramatic victory over Croatia to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a thrilling contest that ended with late controversy and high drama.
Croatia believed they had snatched an equaliser in the closing moments when Josko Gvardiol found the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the Croatian players and fans devastated while Portugal celebrated a hard-fought win.
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Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Portugal’s success by calmly converting a penalty to cancel out Ivan Perisic’s second-half opener. The strike marked Ronaldo’s first goal in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup, extending his remarkable international career as Portugal advanced to face Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute after Perisic finished confidently beneath advancing goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Portugal responded quickly, with Ronaldo appearing to equalise after controlling a long pass, but the effort was disallowed for offside.
Portugal eventually drew level after Renato Veiga was brought down inside the penalty area by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Ronaldo confidently dispatched straight down the middle before celebrating with his teammates.
The match remained fiercely contested, with Croatia creating several dangerous opportunities. Mateo Kovacic forced Costa into an excellent save as the Portuguese goalkeeper tipped his low effort onto the post. Petar Sucic also found the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, making way for Ruben Neves, as Portugal looked to see out the game. Croatia continued to press forward, with Mario Pasalic coming agonisingly close to scoring a late winner when his header drifted just wide of the post.
In the end, Portugal sealed their progression after Goncalo Ramos found the decisive breakthrough, ensuring their place in the next round and setting up a highly anticipated clash with Spain.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
