Portugal fights back to beat Croatia 2-1, set up Spain clash in world cup quarter-finals

TORONTO: Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in an entertaining FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at Toronto Stadium in Canada, knocking Luka Modrić's side out of the tournament.

Ronaldo takes his goal tally to 11

After a goalless first half, Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić. However, Portugal responded strongly as Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 68th minute to level the score, taking his World Cup tally to 11 goals across six editions.

Gonçalo Ramos then scored the winner in stoppage time (90+4) to complete Portugal's comeback.

Fierce battle in second half

The second half was packed with drama. Croatia thought they had equalised in the 90+13th minute through Mario Pašalić, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Earlier, Mateo Kovačić came close in the 75th minute, but his powerful effort was brilliantly saved by the Portuguese goalkeeper.

Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, while Renato Veiga nearly added a third for Portugal with a header in the 87th minute from Nuno Mendes' corner, but failed to find the target.

With the victory, Portugal advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Spain.