Portugal secures victory in dramatic knockout stage
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup knockout stage match, with Goncalo Ramos heading in a stoppage-time winner. This victory keeps Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes alive for winning the tournament. The match saw significant late drama, ultimately breaking Croatian hopes.
Ronaldo, at 41 years old and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was substituted in the 80th minute. Before his substitution, he scored his first knockout goal for his country in a World Cup. This decision by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez proved effective when Ramos scored from a cross by Rafael Leao.
The first half saw Portugal create several opportunities, with Bruno Fernandes having two shots blocked and Ronaldo unable to connect with a cross from Pedro Neto. The game intensified in the second half, with Croatia starting strongly. Mateo Kovacic hit the side netting before Ivan Perisic controlled the ball and scored past Dominik Livakovic in the 53rd minute.
Ronaldo initially believed he had scored his first World Cup knockout goal when he deftly flicked a high ball over Livakovic, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. His actual goal came later, following a penalty awarded after Renato Veiga was judged to have fouled Nikola Vlasic off the ball, a decision confirmed by VAR. Ronaldo converted the penalty in the 68th minute.
Despite scoring, Ronaldo appeared surprised by his substitution at the 80-minute mark. He shook hands with Martinez and his teammates before taking a seat on the dugout. This match marked Ronaldo’s ninth World Cup knockout game.
Late drama and VAR decisions
The Round of 32 has been characterized by late-game excitement, with two matches decided by penalties and two by stoppage-time goals. The game between Portugal and Croatia added a third to the latter category with Ramos’s header. Following his goal, Ronaldo embraced Ramos in celebration.
In a truly remarkable finish, Josko Gvardiol thought he had scored an equalizer in the 103rd minute. However, a VAR review, utilizing technology similar to cricket’s ‘snick-o-meter,’ indicated that the ball had brushed Igor Matanovic on its way through, rendering Gvardiol offside. This decision led to heartbreak for Croatia.
The disallowed equalizer for Croatia stemmed from a complex sequence. While Mario Pasalic, who passed to Gvardiol, was offside, Croatia argued that Igor Matanovic, jumping for a header, had not touched the ball, and Pasalic was onside when the initial cross came in. The VAR system, however, detected a touch by Matanovic, confirming Pasalic’s offside position.
Goncalo Ramos’s winning goal showcased his talent, despite a period where he has often been on Paris Saint-Germain’s bench. His previous notable World Cup performance included a hat-trick against Switzerland in Qatar. After the match, Ramos commented on the team’s growing strength and resilience, stating, “When you need a late goal, you can call Goncalo Ramos.”
Team dynamics and upcoming fixture
Both Portugal and Croatia entered the match having shown some vulnerabilities. Portugal, though unbeaten, had drawn with DR Congo and Colombia, while beating Uzbekistan. Their reliance on an aging Cristiano Ronaldo was noted. Croatia, with a veteran squad, had lost to England but managed to overcome Panama and Ghana.
Statistical comparisons between the two teams prior to the match showed Portugal with six goals to Croatia’s five. Croatia had a slightly better conversion rate at 21% compared to Portugal’s 16%, and Portugal held a slight edge in possession with 55% to 49%. Historically, Portugal had won seven of their ten previous encounters.
The match also highlighted the continued presence of experienced players. Ivan Perisic, at 37, scored his 39th goal in his 158th appearance for Croatia, having previously scored in World Cups against Cameroon, Mexico, Iceland, France, and Japan, as well as an equalizer against England in a semi-final. Luka Modric also reached his 201st cap for Croatia in this game.
Portugal is now set to face Spain in Dallas on July 6.
Source: nytimes.com