Ramos' Late Strike Sends Portugal Past Croatia Into Round of 16

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia after extra time in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo and his team alive in the tournament. Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute to send Portugal into the Round of 16, where they will face Spain. The match also ended in heartbreak for Croatia and veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who may have played his final World Cup game.

Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, putting Portugal under serious pressure in the knockout contest. Portugal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Ronaldo at the centre of their attacking efforts. The Portuguese captain thought he had scored, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside, but he did not have to wait long for another opportunity to make his mark on the match.

Ronaldo eventually found the net to bring Portugal level at 1-1, scoring his first-ever goal in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup. The landmark strike added another major achievement to the 41-year-old's extraordinary international career and revived Portugal's hopes of progressing. After scoring the equaliser, Ronaldo continued to lead the attack before coach Roberto Martinez made the risky decision to substitute him in the 81st minute.

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With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match moved into extra time, where Portugal found the breakthrough almost immediately. Goncalo Ramos, who had come on as a substitute, scored in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. The goal put Croatia under pressure to find another equaliser, while Portugal attempted to protect their narrow advantage and secure a place in the next round.

The biggest drama came in the 113th minute when Josko Gvardiol appeared to have scored a late equaliser for Croatia. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled out the goal because Mario Pasalic, who had provided the assist, was in an offside position. The decision ended Croatia's hopes of forcing the match into a penalty shootout and allowed Portugal to hold on for a memorable victory.

The result sends Portugal into a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Spain, who defeated Austria 3-0 in their knockout match. Ronaldo's World Cup dream remains alive as he continues what could be his final appearance at the tournament, while Croatia's elimination could mark the end of Luka Modric's World Cup journey. Portugal will now turn their attention to Spain as they continue their pursuit of a first FIFA World Cup title.

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