Ronaldo’s Penalty Seals Portugal’s Victory Over Croatia in Dramatic World Cup Finale

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo secured another appearance for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, thanks to his penalty, a late winner by Gonçalo Ramos, and a controversial VAR decision that left Croatia confused.

Gonçalo Ramos’ stoppage-time header sealed a 2-1 win for Portugal in a chaotic World Cup Round of 32 match on Thursday, which also featured a disallowed Croatia goal for offside in the final moments.

The encounter stood out as a clash between 40-something legends — Ronaldo, competing in his sixth World Cup, and Croatia’s Luka Modrić in his fifth quest for a tournament crown.

Ronaldo equalized in the 68th minute with a penalty, marking his first World Cup knockout-stage goal, before being substituted in the 81st minute.

“I never felt any of that [fear],” he said. “Yes, nervous. But as always, you have to be very positive for things to go well.”

While Ronaldo contributed, it was Ramos who delivered the decisive goal, propelling Portugal into the Round of 16.

“I love that type of moment, I love that type of games,” Ramos said. “I want to play every game like that.”

Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday. Ronaldo noted that Portugal dominated the first half but panicked slightly after conceding, though his penalty helped regain momentum. “We created chances and deserved to win,” he added.

In the final minutes, chaos erupted as Croatia appeared to equalize via Mario Pasalic, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to an offside call triggered by a sensor in the ball. Croatian fans reacted angrily, throwing objects and whistling in protest. “The referee said he didn’t see anyone touch the ball, but the sensor in the ball caused the offside ruling,” midfielder Petar Sucic said, adding, “For me, it’s a regular goal.”

Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez defended the decision, emphasizing the ball’s sensor technology. “It’s clear why VAR intervened—it’s not a subjective opinion,” he stated.

Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, who converted a cross from Josip Banovac. Ronaldo, frequently jeered by Croatia supporters, calmly converted his penalty low to the goalkeeper’s right before being substituted.

Thursday’s match marked Portugal’s second knockout-stage win at a World Cup since their 2006 semifinal appearance. Ronaldo set new records as the oldest goalscorer and player in a World Cup knockout match, extending his international goal tally to 146. His 11th World Cup goal placed him ninth on the all-time list, tied with Jürgen Klinsmann and Sándor Kocsis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source link