Ruben Dias and Portugal came from behind to record a hugely dramatic 2-1 win against Croatia despite an outstanding individual performance from Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic.
Portugal booked their ticket into the World Cup round of 16 after completing a thrilling second-half comeback to eliminate Croatia. The encounter goes down in the history books for a legendary milestone, as Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first-ever career goal in a World Cup knockout stage.
As a physical, end-to-end battle seemed destined for an additional 30 minutes, Gonçalo Ramos delivered a decisive blow in the 94th minute, climbing above a pair of Croatian central defenders to nod home a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leão.
However, the final whistle was shrouded in drama due to a disallowed Croatia equaliser deep into stoppage time. The Vatreni thought they had rescued the tie at the death when the ball was bundled into the net through Josko Gvardiol, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Having survived the scare, Portugal now march on to line up a blockbuster last-16 showdown against the European champions Spain at the Dallas Stadium on Monday, July 6.
Matheus Nunes match statistics vs Croatia
Unused from the bench.
Ruben Dias match statistics vs Croatia
90 Minutes
110 Touches (Most)
86 Accurate Passes
91% Pass Accuracy
20 Passes Into Final Third
5 Clearances
5 Aerial Duels Won
5 Ground Duels Won
4 Headed Clearances
3 Tackles
2 Recoveries
2 Was Fouled
2 Interceptions
2 Accurate Long Balls
Josko Gvardiol match statistics vs Croatia
9 Minutes
7 Touches
5 Accurate Passes
71% Pass Accuracy
1 Recovery
1 Pass Into Final Third
Mateo Kovacic match statistics vs Croatia
90 Minutes
63 Touches
49 Accurate Passes
94% Pass Accuracy
3 Recoveries
3 Shots On Target
3 Ground Duels Won
3 Passes Into Final Third
3 Touches In Opposition Box
1 Block
1 Tackle
1 Was Fouled
1 Successful Dribble
1 Big Chance Missed
Data courtesy of FotMob.