World Cup 2026: Goncalo Ramos' 94th-minute goal gives Portugal a 2-1 win over Croatia
July 3, 2026 · TaegeukGoal
Goncalo Ramos scored in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 win over Croatia to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup. Croatia's equalizer was canceled out by VAR.
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos led Portugal to the round of 16 of the World Cup. Ramos headed home Rafael Leao's cross in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 win over Croatia. Portugal will look to advance to the quarterfinals when they face Spain on Monday. Croatia hit back with Joszko Guvardiol's equalizer in the 103rd minute, but the goal was ruled out when Mario Pashalic was flagged for offside. Shortly before the end of the game, the game was stopped for a few seconds due to an object thrown by a spectator. VAR was used to confirm that Gubardiol had touched the ball, and all World Cup balls are equipped with touch detection sensors.
Ramos came on as a substitute for manager Roberto Martinez an hour after kick-off. Croatia, which used defensive tactics for most of the first half, put pressure on Portugal at the start of the second half and took the lead with a goal by Ivan Perisic. Ronaldo equalized from a penalty in the 68th minute, his first knockout round goal in just his sixth World Cup appearance. Ronaldo, 41, became the oldest player to play in the knockout rounds of the World Cup. After 13 minutes, he was substituted for Ruben Neves. Ronaldo will get another chance against Spain.
Meanwhile, Croatia captain Luka Modric looks set to play his final game at the World Cup. Modric is 40 years old and has led Croatia to the World Cup semifinals twice. Portugal need to score more goals from open play in this competition and Leao starting for the first time appears to be a positive change. But Ronaldo will need to score more goals.