Portugal secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, sealed by a late VAR decision that disallowed a Croatian equalizer.
Gonçalo Ramos' header in the 94th minute proved to be the decisive goal for Portugal. However, the match's climax was marked by controversy when a VAR review determined that Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up to what would have been Croatia's game-tying goal just before the final whistle. The decision upheld Portugal's lead and ended Croatia's World Cup campaign.
This marks the second time in Portuguese World Cup history that the team has come from behind to win a match, highlighting their resilience on the global stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo made history during the match, becoming the oldest player to participate in a World Cup knockout stage game at 41 years and 147 days old. He also became the oldest player to score in such a match, converting a penalty in the 67th minute to equalize after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia an early lead. It was Ronaldo's first career knockout stage goal in the World Cup.
Former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modrić of Croatia and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal became the first two players aged 40 or older to play in the same World Cup match together. Modrić's participation in this tournament likely marks the end of his fifth World Cup campaign.
Following the match, Ronaldo was seen wearing the jersey of late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away a year prior, as the team took a photograph on the pitch.
Portugal is now set to face Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on July 6.