Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream kept alive as Portugal secure dramatic win over Croatia
- Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in their last-32 clash at the World Cup on Thursday night.
- After a goalless first half, it was Croatia who went in through a fine finish from former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic, before Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup knockout goal to bring Portugal level, as he fired home from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Renato Veiga had been fouled at a corner by Nikola Vlasic.
- With the score level at 1-1, Ronaldo was substituted by Roberto Martinez and was visibly upset as he knew it could be his final World Cup appearance.
- However, in the 94th minute, Goncalo Ramos popped up to head Portugal in front from a Rafael Leao cross.
- There was still time for more drama as Croatia believed they had equalised in the 103rd minute, but VAR adjudged that there was an offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out.
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