Cristiano Ronaldo scored and inspired Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia on Thursday, booking a blockbuster Round of 16 clash with Spain at the FIFA World Cup.
After Ivan Perišić put Croatia ahead, Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot before Gonçalo Ramos headed in a stoppage-time winner to send Portugal through.
Croatia appeared to have rescued a last-gasp equaliser, but VAR ruled out JoÅ¡ko Gvardiol’s goal for offside after match-ball technology detected a touch from Igor Matanović in the build-up.
Following the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo honoured late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota by holding up a No. 21 Portugal shirt, marking nearly a year since the Liverpool forward’s tragic death.
The victory keeps Portugal’s World Cup hopes alive and sets up a mouth-watering last-16 showdown against European champions Spain.
