Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in a pulsating World Cup encounter, advancing to the last 16 after a controversial VAR decision denied Croatia a stoppage-time equaliser. The match, filled with tension and late drama, saw Gonçalo Ramos score the winner in the 94th minute, only for Croatia to believe they had equalised in the 12th minute of added time before VAR intervened.
VAR Disallows Late Croatia Goal
Croatia thought they had snatched a point when a goal was scored deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the play and ruled the goal offside, crushing Croatian hopes. The decision led to heartbroken fans throwing bottles and other projectiles onto the pitch, while Portugal celebrated their progression.
"You've got to feel for Croatia, you can see the despair on their faces… it can be cruel," former Socceroo Tommy Oar said on SBS.
Match Summary
Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute when veteran Ivan Perisic smashed the opener into the net. Portugal responded in the 68th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty, scoring his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout stage at age 41.
Croatia had two goals disallowed in the second half—one from Nikola Vlasic in the 56th minute and another from Petar Sucic in the 80th minute. Ronaldo also had a goal disallowed shortly before his penalty.
Ramos Seals Victory
With the game seemingly heading to extra time, Rafael Leão delivered a superb cross into the area where Ramos met the ball with a powerful header in the fourth minute of added time, giving Portugal the lead. The drama escalated when Croatia found the net deep in stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving Luka Modric and his teammates in despair.
Portugal will now face European champions Spain, who earlier advanced with a comfortable 3-0 win over Austria.
