Portugal seal dramatic win over Croatia to reach World Cup last 16

Portugal booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, as Goncalo Ramos scored a late winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from the penalty spot.

The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when Rafael Leao delivered a cross from the left and Ramos rose between two defenders to head the ball into the net, sealing Portugal‍‍`s victory.

Croatia thought they had rescued an equaliser deep into stoppage time, but their celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The match, which kicked off at 5:00 a.m. Bangladesh time on Friday, ended a goalless first half despite both teams creating several attacking opportunities.

Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic. Josip Stanisic‍‍`s pass found the experienced winger inside the penalty area, and he calmly finished with a precise left-footed strike.

Portugal responded in the 68th minute when Ronaldo converted a penalty to level the score. It was the Portuguese captain‍‍`s first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup and his third of the tournament. Ronaldo had also found the net in the 60th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Head coach Roberto Martinez substituted Ronaldo in the 81st minute, replacing him with Ruben Neves. The veteran forward appeared disappointed as he left the pitch.

Portugal had enjoyed more possession and created the better chances during the first half but were unable to capitalise. In the fourth minute, Bruno Fernandes tested Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic with two quick efforts following an excellent run by Rafael Leao, but the goalkeeper produced two impressive saves.

Neither Ronaldo nor Croatia captain Luka Modric was able to make a significant impact during the opening 45 minutes, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Portugal‍‍`s persistence was rewarded in the closing stages when Ramos headed home the winner, sending Roberto Martznez‍‍`s side into the round of 16, where they will face Spain.