World Cup
Ramos' late header forces Portugal into quarter‑final clash with Spain
Gonçalo Ramos' 94th‑minute header from Rafael Leão's cross clinched a 2‑1 victory for Portugal over Croatia on Thursday night, sending the Portuguese side into the World Cup Round of 16 despite Cristiano Ronaldo being off the field after a contentious VAR review that nullified Croatia's late equaliser.
Croatia thought they had equalised when Joško Gvardiol headed in a goal in the 103rd minute. However, VAR determined Mario Pašalić was offside after the ball had barely touched Igor Matanović before reaching Gvardiol, and the goal was disallowed.
The final minutes were briefly halted when objects were thrown onto the pitch by spectators. World Cup match balls are equipped with sensors that confirmed Igor Matanović had touched the ball, supporting the VAR decision.
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Gonçalo Ramos entered the match as one of four substitutes introduced by coach Roberto Martinez about an hour after kickoff. His introduction added a fresh aerial threat that proved decisive in the dying moments. The first half saw Portugal sit in a low block, allowing Croatia to dominate possession. In the second half Croatia pressed forward, and Ivan Perišić found the net to give the visitors an early lead. Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity in the 68th minute after Renato Veiga won a penalty when Marin Pongračić tackled him inside the box from a corner. A video review confirmed the foul, and Ronaldo converted the spot‑kick, marking his first knockout‑stage goal in six World Cups. With the win, Portugal advances to face Spain on Monday, who secured their quarter‑final place by beating Austria, setting up a high‑stakes clash for a place in the last eight.