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

Portugal battled into the last 16 of the World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with European champions Spain. The match, held at Toronto's BMO Field, was a nerve-shredding classic that went down to the wire.

Goncalo Ramos headed Portugal into the lead in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sending the Portuguese fans into a frenzy. However, Croatia thought they had snatched a last-gasp equalizer when Josko Gvardiol prodded home in stoppage time. The celebrations were short-lived as a lengthy VAR review ultimately ruled the goal out for offside, leaving Croatia's players and fans in disbelief.

Portugal's comeback was spearheaded by their 41-year-old captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. He buried a 68th-minute penalty to cancel out Ivan Perisic's 53rd-minute opener for Croatia. This penalty goal was significant, making Ronaldo the oldest man ever to score in a World Cup knockout match and marking his first goal in such a stage of the tournament.

After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo paid tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash almost exactly one year prior. Ronaldo wore a Portugal shirt bearing Jota's number 21, calling the coincidence of the date and the victory "unbelievable" and "so special."

The result extends Ronaldo's incredible World Cup career, ensuring he will play at least one more match. Portugal is set to face Iberian rivals Spain in the last 16 in Dallas on Monday. Meanwhile, Spain advanced to this stage with a commanding 3-0 win over Austria, solidifying their status as tournament favorites.

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We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable. I was amazed because the situation of today. It means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but the also the way we won the game. It was a difficult game, we knew it.