Cristiano Ronaldo made history by scoring his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal at the age of 41, helping Portugal secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in Toronto.
The match remained goalless in the opening half, with Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic producing a series of important saves to deny Portugal.
Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic finished clinically to give his side the lead.
Portugal responded strongly and drew level in the 68th minute after Renato Veiga was brought down inside the penalty area. Ronaldo calmly converted the resulting penalty, becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.
Just as the game appeared destined for extra time, substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a cross from Rafael Leao in the 94th minute, completing Portugal’s dramatic turnaround.
Croatia believed they had forced an equaliser moments later, but a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, confirming Portugal’s place in the next round.
The defeat also appears to mark the end of Luka Modric’s international tournament career after another memorable campaign with Croatia.
