Ramos’ late goal sends Portugal through to the Round of 16 after Martinez’s tactical change shifts momentum.
Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Croatia at BMO Field in Toronto on Thursday. Gonçalo Ramos scored in the 94th minute to secure the win after manager Roberto Martinez substituted Cristiano Ronaldo in the 81st minute.
Ronaldo had equalised for Portugal earlier in the match, but his withdrawal proved to be a tactical masterstroke. Ramos came on and met Rafael Leão’s cross with a header to score the winner and book Portugal’s place in the knockout stage.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol fired home in the 113th minute, but a VAR review ruled the goal offside after finding that Igor Matanović had made slight contact with the ball using his head during the build-up, placing Mario Pašalić in an offside position.
The defeat ends Croatia’s World Cup campaign and marks the conclusion of their Golden Generation’s run. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16.
By Canaan Siame
