Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dreams were kept alive in controversial fashion as he helped Portugal fight back from a goal down to beat Croatia 2-1 and set up a mouth-watering last-16 tie with Spain.
VAR denied Josko Gvardiol the chance to be Croatia’s hero despite the Manchester City defender finding the back of the net in the 113th minute.
The goal was chalked off with the help of ‘Snicko’ technology after it was deemed Igor Matanovic got a faint touch on Ivan Perisic’s cross, making Mario Pasalic, the assister, offside. Following a recommendation by Premier League referee Jarred Gillet for an on-field check, on-pitch official Espen Eskas decided to rule out the goal.
What was essentially the last kick of the game capped off a whirlwind second half that had seen Croatia take the lead through Perisic. Ronaldo, who had been rumoured before the game to be preparing to retire from international duty in the event of a defeat, levelled the score from the penalty spot. That goal was the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first in the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Though the 41-year-old was subbed off by Roberto Martinez with the game still finely poised, much to his disappointment, Ronaldo could watch on in glee as Goncalo Ramos glanced home a sumptuous Rafael Leao cross in added time.
While there was delight for one veteran in Ronaldo, the opposite was true for Croatia captain Luka Modric, with the 40-year-old likely playing in his last World Cup.
Having marked the first anniversary of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing with a victory, Portugal can look forward to a replay of the 2025 Nations League final, where Ronaldo’s side were triumphant against the European champions, Spain.
Source: Sky Sports
