Portugal 2-1 Croatia: Ramos' 94th-Minute Winner Sets Up Spain Showdown

Portugal survived a dramatic late scare to defeat Croatia 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face European champions Spain in one of the tournament's biggest fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal before substitute Gocalo Ramos headed home a dramatic 94th-minute winner in a pulsating contest that ended with Croatia having a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out following a VAR review.

The victory sends Roberto Martinez's side into a mouthwatering clash against Spain in Dallas on Monday, while bringing an emotional end to Luka Modrić's World Cup career.

Portugal controlled possession for much of the opening half but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Croatian defence.

Instead, it was Croatia who struck first shortly after the restart.

Ruben Dias could only partially clear a cross into the penalty area, allowing Ivan Perisic to unleash a powerful finish into the corner in the 53rd minute.

Croatia almost doubled their advantage moments later when half-time substitute Igor Matanovic found the net from close range, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside after Nikola Vlašić was flagged in the build-up.

Portugal responded with renewed urgency.

Rafael Leao came close to equalising when his curling effort crashed against the crossbar before Ronaldo thought he had scored with a clever chipped finish, only for another offside decision to deny him.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 68th minute.

Following a VAR review, referee awarded Portugal a penalty after Nikola Vlasic was judged to have fouled Renato Veiga during a corner.

Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot, becoming the oldest player ever to score in a men's World Cup knockout match and registering his first goal in the knockout rounds of the competition.

Croatia refused to surrender.

Mateo Kovacic forced Diogo Costa into two outstanding saves before Matanović was denied in a one-on-one opportunity.

Petar Sucic also thought he had restored Croatia's lead after finishing off a superb through ball from Kovačić, but the assistant referee once again raised the offside flag.

Martinez made a bold decision in the closing stages by replacing Ronaldo in the 81st minute, a substitution that visibly frustrated the Portugal captain.

The move ultimately proved decisive.

With extra time looming, Rafael Leao produced an inch-perfect cross into the penalty area in the fourth minute of stoppage time, where Goncalo Ramos rose above two defenders to power a header beyond the Croatian goalkeeper and send Portugal into wild celebrations.

Croatia believed they had rescued the match deep into stoppage time when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net in the 103rd minute.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out.

Replays showed that Igor Matanovic had made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was standing in an offside position before the ball eventually fell to Gvardiol.

The decision confirmed Croatia's elimination and ended another memorable World Cup campaign for Modric, who once again delivered a composed display in midfield despite the heartbreaking result.

For Portugal, the victory demonstrated the impact of Martinez's tactical changes.

While much of the first half revolved around finding Ronaldo, the introduction of Ramos gave Portugal greater attacking variety and ultimately delivered the decisive moment.

Following the final whistle, emotions ran high as Portugal celebrated qualification.

Almost one year after the death of former Portugal forward Diogo Jota, Ronaldo paid tribute by holding up his former teammate's jersey before leading the squad to acknowledge their supporters in an emotional post-match moment.

Portugal will now face Spain in one of the standout fixtures of the Round of 16, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake.