Portugal edged past Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup round of 32 clash, setting up a mouthwatering last-16 date with Spain on July 6. Cristiano Ronaldo made history along the way, while Gonçalo Ramos struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.

Ronaldo Ends His Knockout Drought

Croatia broke the deadlock first, with Ivan Perišić finishing clinically after a scrambled cross found him unmarked at the back post. Portugal responded almost immediately, though. Vlašić brought down Renato Veiga inside the box, and after a VAR review, referee Espen Eskås pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo stepped up and buried the penalty, leveling the score and finally breaking a personal drought that had followed him for two decades. At 41 years and 147 days old, he became the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match, a milestone that also lifted him into the tournament’s all-time top ten scorers.

Ramos Delivers the Late Winner

Just as the tie appeared destined for extra time, Ramos rose highest at the back post to head home Rafael Leão’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Croatia thought they’d found a dramatic equalizer through Joško Gvardiol soon after, yet VAR ruled the goal out for offside, sparking furious protests from the Croatian bench.

Ronaldo had already been substituted by that point, walking off to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters. His long-time rival Luka Modrić, at 40 years old, may now have played his final World Cup match, closing a golden era for Croatian football.

Portugal now face Spain in Toronto next, a daunting test against one of the tournament’s genuine favorites. Fans can follow further World Cup coverage at KCPredict. Full match details are available via Fox Sports.