Cristiano Ronaldo played his role in the victory, stroking home a penalty that cancelled out Ivan Perisic\u2019s opener.<\/p>\n
It was Ronaldo\u2019s first ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup and his remarkable international career will have another chapter when Portugal face Spain in Dallas on Monday.<\/p>\n
Perisic had stunned the Portuguese by slotting the ball under the advancing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute.<\/p>\n
Within minutes, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his effort was disallowed for offside.<\/p>\n
But Portugal got level when Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia\u2019s Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area and after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo stepped up to convert the penalty with ease, hitting the ball straight down the middle of the goal and pumping his fists with joy afterwards.<\/p>\n
In a pulsating game, Manchester City forward Mateo Kovacic\u2019s low shot was pushed on to a post by keeper Costa\u2019s fingertips.<\/p>\n
Still Croatia pushed and Peta Sucic had the ball in the net but the assistant referee\u2019s flag was up for a clear offside.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute to allow Ruben Neves to come on.<\/p>\n
Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents and Mario Pasalic came so close to winning the game with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide.<\/p>\n
But when Ramos connected, the net bulged and Portugal were through.<\/p>\n
Go all in to unlock every Fifa World Cup 2026 match with a TVNZ+ Event Pass.<\/p>\n