LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – New AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos was the hero for Portugal as he scored a dying minute goal against Croatia to send Portugal to the round of 16.
The match kicked off in rapid fashion as Bruno Fernandes got Portugal’s first shot on target in just four minutes.
The ball was parried by Croatia’s keeper Dominik Livaković who went low to deny Fernandes.
The first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate as Portugal continued their pressure on Vatreni.
The second half however was a different story as Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute.
Three minutes later, Rafael Leao responded with a curling shot that beat Livakovic.
However, it was prevented from nestling into the top corner by the crossbar.
Minutes later Ronaldo who became the oldest player in a FIFA World Cup knockout game also saw his goal disallowed for being marginally offside.
Portugal finally got their equalizer when Nikola Vlašić wrapped his arms and leg around Renato Veiga in the box.
The Croatian brought down Veiga who was on course to head the ball and after a VAR check the penalty was awarded.
Portugal captain Ronaldo slotted home the penalty to score his first ever World Cup knockout goal.
The spot kick was his first ever FIFA World Cup knockout round goal.
The goal also made him the oldest FIFA World Cup goalscorer in a knockout game.
Substitute Ramos eventually scored the winner in the 94th minute after rising the highest between two Croatian defenders to meet Leao’s pinpoint cross.
The whole Portuguese team ran to celebrate with Ramos after his goal.
Josko Gvardiol scored the equalizer for Croatia with a minute left on the clock.
However, the goal was eventually disallowed as Mario Pašalić who assisted Gvardiol was in an offside position when he received the ball.
After the 2-1 victory, the Portugal national team dedicated the victory to the late Diogo Jota
Portugal will now face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday July 6 at the Dallas Stadium.
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