Played at Toronto Stadium on Friday, the contest appeared headed for extra time before Gonçalo Ramos struck deep into injury time to send Portugal through. The victory sets up a high-profile Round of 16 showdown against Spain on July 7, while Croatia’s campaign ended in heartbreak.

The match remained goalless through the first half despite Portugal enjoying greater possession and creating the better opportunities. Croatia defended resolutely and managed to frustrate Ronaldo and his teammates for long periods.

The breakthrough finally arrived eight minutes after the restart. Josip Stanišić delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where veteran winger Ivan Perišić met the ball clinically to put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute.

Croatia’s lead intensified the pressure on Portugal, but the response came through the player who has defined much of the nation’s footballing history.

In the 68th minute, Portugal were awarded a penalty after a challenge inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up and converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and bringing his side level at 1-1.

The goal carried historic significance. It was Ronaldo’s first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and made him the oldest player to score in the tournament’s knockout stage. At 41 years and 147 days, the Portuguese captain surpassed the previous record held by former teammate Pepe.

Ronaldo’s celebration also carried an emotional message. The veteran forward paid tribute to late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota by displaying a commemorative jersey, marking one year since the player’s passing.

As the match entered stoppage time, extra time seemed inevitable. However, Portugal found one final opening. Rafael Leão delivered a cross into the area and Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head the ball into the net, giving Portugal a dramatic 2-1 advantage in the dying moments.

Croatia thought they had rescued the match almost immediately. A late attack resulted in the ball finding the back of the net, sparking celebrations among Croatian players and supporters. Those celebrations were short-lived.

Following a VAR review, Mario Pašalić was judged to be offside in the build-up, leading the referee to disallow the goal. The decision triggered angry reactions from sections of the Croatian support, with reports of bottles being thrown onto the field as fans protested the call.

The defeat was particularly emotional for Croatian captain Luka Modrić, who is widely expected to have played his final FIFA World Cup match. The veteran midfielder was visibly disappointed after the final whistle as Croatia’s tournament journey came to an end.

Elsewhere, Spain advanced comfortably with a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice while Pedro Porro added another as Spain secured their first World Cup knockout victory since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Spain dominated possession throughout the contest and registered their fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament. Austria failed to record a single shot on target, allowing Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón a relatively quiet evening.

The performance was another statement from Spain’s young generation, led by 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who has been one of the standout performers of the competition despite recently returning from injury.

With Portugal and Spain both advancing, football fans are now set for one of the most anticipated Round of 16 encounters of the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo’s experience and Spain’s youthful energy promise a compelling battle for a place in the quarter-finals.