World Cup: Ronaldo Scores as Portugal Beat Croatia 2-1 to Reach Last 16

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, sending his side into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and setting up a heavyweight clash against European champions Spain.

Portugal secured victory in extraordinary fashion after Goncalo Ramos headed home the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time before Croatia had a late equaliser ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review.

The thrilling encounter in Toronto saw Croatia take the lead in the 53rd minute through veteran winger Ivan Perisic, who finished confidently to put his side on course for qualification.

Portugal responded midway through the second half after being awarded a penalty, with 41-year-old captain Ronaldo calmly converting from the spot in the 68th minute to level the score.

The goal made Ronaldo the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match and also marked his first-ever goal in the knockout stages of the competition.

As the match appeared destined for extra time, Portugal launched one final attack deep into added time.

A superb cross into the penalty area found Goncalo Ramos, who glanced a powerful header beyond the Croatian goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations among the Portuguese players and supporters.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time moments later when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net during stoppage time.

However, after a prolonged VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside, ending Croatia’s hopes of a comeback.

Following the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo paid tribute to his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota by holding up and wearing a Portugal shirt bearing the number 21.

Jota, the Liverpool forward, died in a car crash on July 3 last year.

“We knew it before the game. It was a very special moment. The coincidence is unbelievable,” Ronaldo said after the match.

The victory keeps Portugal’s World Cup dream alive and extends Ronaldo’s remarkable international career by at least one more match.

Portugal will now face Spain in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter in Dallas on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.