Toronto, CANADA – Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 at the World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia at the BMO Field, following a highly controversial late VAR intervention in stoppage time.
The high-stakes knockout match exploded in the second half when veteran winger Ivan Perisic fired Croatia into the lead. Okay News reports that Portugal responded swiftly when Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot, scoring his first-ever career goal in a World Cup knockout stage.
Despite Ronaldo being substituted late in the game, Roberto Martinez’s side found the winner in the 94th minute when substitute Goncalo Ramos expertly glanced home a superb cross from Rafael Leao. Deep into the 114th minute of extended stoppage time, Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net for what appeared to be a dramatic equalizer, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside following an extensive video review.
The elimination likely marks the final World Cup appearance for Croatia’s legendary 40-year-old captain, Luka Modric. With the victory, Portugal progresses to a highly anticipated last-16 showdown against reigning European champions Spain.
