World Cup: Ronaldo scores from spot as Portugal edge Croatia 2-1 in controversial encounter

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia.

The substitute struck in the 94th minute to complete Portugal’s comeback after Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier cancelled out Croatia’s second-half opener.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time with a goal deep into added time, but a lengthy VAR review ruled it out for offside, ending their World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.

Portugal will now face European champions Spain in the last 16.

Croatia’s lead slips away

Portugal dominated possession during the opening half but failed to make their superiority count before the break.

Croatia emerged stronger after halftime and took the lead in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic fired into the corner after Ruben Dias could only partially clear a dangerous cross.

The Croatians thought they had doubled their advantage moments later through Igor Matanovic, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Portugal responded by increasing the pressure and were rewarded when the video assistant referee spotted a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner kick.

Ronaldo calmly converted the resulting penalty to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and bring Portugal level.

Ramos settles thrilling encounter

The closing stages produced chances for both sides as Croatia pushed for another goal while Portugal searched for a winner.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made important saves to deny Mateo Kovacic and Matanovic. Croatia also had another effort ruled out for offside after Petar Sucic finished following a through pass.

Portugal captain Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute and showed visible frustration as he left the pitch.

With extra time appearing inevitable, Rafael Leao produced a moment of quality by delivering an inviting cross into the penalty area.

Ramos rose above the Croatian defenders to head home in the fourth minute of stoppage time and send Portugal into the next round.

Croatia briefly celebrated what they believed was an equaliser in the closing moments, but VAR ruled the goal out after confirming an offside infringement in the build-up.

Portugal now prepare for a heavyweight last-16 meeting with Spain, while Croatia exit the tournament after falling just short in one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the competition.