How Ronaldo, Ramos helped Portugal beat Croatia amid controversy
The Portuguese national team coached by Roberto Martinez beat their Croatian counterparts 2-1 in hugely controversial circumstances to set up a tantalizing Round of 16 clash with Spain.
Croatia took the lead in the crunchy encounter when striker Ivan Perisic fired home a low strike in the 53rd minute of the game after receiving a decisive pass from his teammate, Josip Stanisic.
Cristian Ronaldo made history as the oldest scorer in World Cup knockout history, when he scored from the penalty spot to equalize for Portugal in the 58th minute to make it 1-1.
Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos sealed the game for his teammates with a second goal in the 94th minute with a header after Rafael Leao sent in a well weighted cross into the 18-yard box of the Croatian defense line.
Croatia thought they had clawed their way back with an equaliser to make it 2-2 deep into injury time (90+13’) when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net but his goal was controversially disallowed after a lengthy VAR check ruled that Mario Pašalić was offside by a fractional touch in the buildup to the goal.
The decision sparked anger among scores of Croatian fans in the stand with some resorting to throwing bottles onto the pitch in protest but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised the match officials for correctly handling pivotal decisions in the game.
Martinez admitted after the game that they were fortunate to hold onto their lead but fully understood the frustration of the Croatian camp following a disallowed late goal.
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“There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate,” said Martinez when asked if Croatia had been robbed of a second goal by VAR.
“The chip ball showed that it was offside, the penalty was also clear. I understand the work of (Croatia coach Zlatko) Dalic in this team and it is shame that there was only one winner today.”
The coach also talked about the tantalizing Round 16 game against Spain in Dallas which promises to be a tough encounter between two European football heavyweights.
“We respect the quality of Spain. I think it is going to be a fantastic match, it is going to be the European game of this World Cup,” he said.
Key match statistics: Portugal Vs Croatia
Ball possession: Portugal 60% – Croatia 40%
Attempts: Portugal 15- Croatia 13
On target: Portugal 3- Croatia 6
Corners: Portugal 9- Croatia 5
Offsides: Portugal 1- Croatia 4
Yellow cards: Portugal 1- Croatia 2
Passes: Portugal 532- Croatia 310
