Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first World Cup knockout-stage goal and led Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Croatia, dedicating the win to late teammate Diogo Jota on the first anniversary of his death.
Ronaldo, 41 and 147 days, became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match. He calmly converted his 11th World Cup goal in the 68th minute to equalise after Ivan Perisic’s early opener for Croatia. Earlier, the Al Nassr star was denied his 146th international goal by the offside flag.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos sealed the win in stoppage time, heading home a Rafael Leao cross to send Portugal through to the last 16. The match ended controversially when Croatia’s late equaliser was ruled out after VAR review — Mario Pasalic was judged offside, prompting angry fans to throw bottles onto the pitch.
Ronaldo’s emotional tribute
After the final whistle, Ronaldo wore Jota’s No 21 Portugal jersey and pointed to the sky with tears in his eyes. He told Fox: "We knew it before the game, it was a special moment. We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life, it's unbelievable." "I was amazed because the situation of today it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also the way. We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way." He added to Portugal’s Sport TV: "We knew it before the game, it was a special moment." Ronaldo and Luka Modric, former Real Madrid teammates, embraced at the final whistle — both playing in their final World Cups.
Spain advance with clean sheet
Spain moved into the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Austria in California. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice to take his tournament tally to four goals, while Pedro Porro netted his first international goal with a header just after half-time.
Marc Cucurella assisted both of Oyarzabal’s goals. Spain have outscored opponents 8-0 and remain one of only two teams yet to concede at the tournament, alongside co-hosts Mexico. Goalkeeper Unai Simon recorded his fifth consecutive World Cup clean sheet, equalling the record set by Italy’s Walter Zenga at Italia ’90.
Portugal will face Spain in Texas on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
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Frequently asked questions
What age is Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored in World Cup knockout match
Cristiano Ronaldo was 41 and 147 days old when he scored in a World Cup knockout match
Who did Cristiano Ronaldo dedicate Portugal World Cup win to
Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Portugal's World Cup win to his late teammate Diogo Jota
What was the score of Portugal vs Croatia World Cup match
Portugal won 2-1 against Croatia in the World Cup
