Late Ramos goal sends Portugal into World Cup last 16
Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner, while a late Croatian equaliser was ruled out by VAR, bringing an end to a match full of twists and excitement.
Croatia created most of the chances and looked like the stronger side for long periods. Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute with a composed finish past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Portugal thought they had equalised soon afterwards when Cristiano Ronaldo found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The match changed when Renato Veiga was fouled inside the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded Portugal a penalty, and Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score. The goal was Ronaldo’s first in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. It also made him the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match, adding another milestone to his remarkable international career.
Both teams continued to create chances during the closing stages. Croatia came close on several occasions, but Diogo Costa produced crucial saves to keep Portugal in the match. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Rafael Leão delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, where substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home the winning goal to send Portugal into the last 16.
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Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net in the closing moments. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the Croatian players and fans heartbroken.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute and received a standing ovation from the crowd. After the final whistle, he shared an emotional moment with Croatian captain Luka Modrić, whose FIFA World Cup career may have come to an end with the defeat.
Portugal’s players also paid tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota by holding up his number 21 shirt after securing the victory. Portugal will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.
