WC26: Goncalo Ramos Header Sends Portugal Past Croatia To Face Spain

Goncalo Ramos headed in a Rafael Leao cross in the 94th minute to complete Portugal's comeback victory over Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 Wednesday. Portugal held a 2.18 to 1.34 edge in expected goals. Croatia took the lead when Ivan Perisic drilled a shot into the corner in the 53rd minute after Ruben Dias failed to clear a back-post cross. Portugal leveled when Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot after VAR identified a foul on Renato Veiga at a corner kick, marking his first goal in a World Cup knockout match. Ramos, introduced as a substitute, rose above two Croatian defenders to convert Leao's delivery just as extra time appeared imminent. Croatia believed they had equalized in the 13th minute of stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol bundled home, but VAR disallowed the goal, ruling Igor Matanovic's touch on the cross had set up an offside Mario Pasalic before Gvardiol scored. Croatia created strong chances of their own. Mateo Kovacic forced goalkeeper Diogo Costa into two consecutive saves, and a Petar Sucic finish was waved off for offside. Ronaldo was visibly frustrated when removed in the 81st minute, with the match still level. Ramos, his replacement, delivered the decisive moment minutes later and Ronaldo enthusiastically greeted him following the goal. Portugal advance to face European champions Spain in Dallas on Monday, July 6, in a round-of-16 showdown between two of the tournament's top-ranked squads.