TORONTO: Portugal advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia, characterized by an intensely dramatic final 20 minutes. Following a goalless first half, the match exploded into life in the second period with three goals. Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, but Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Substitute Goncalo Ramos then turned savior by netting the decisive match-winner deep into injury time (90+4′). A chaotic period of added time saw Croatia score an equalizer in the dying seconds of the 18th minute of injury time, but a comprehensive VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, ensuring Portugal’s progression to set up a heavyweight last-16 clash against Spain.
In a fixture characterized by fluctuating fortunes, Portugal saw an early goal from Ronaldo disallowed for offside, while both sides were denied by the woodwork during intense exchanges. Portugal attacked aggressively from the opening whistle, creating premium scoring opportunities through Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo, though they were repeatedly thwarted by spectacular saves from Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Following a relatively quiet first half, Croatia stunned the Portuguese defense early in the second half when winger Ivan Perisic met a cross inside the box with a brilliant header, leaving goalkeeper Diogo Costa stranded to make it 0-1. Portugal intensified their offense in response, earning a penalty following a lengthy VAR review for a foul in the box during a corner kick. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo clinical converted the spot-kick past Livakovic to bring the scores level at 1-1.
The goal marked the 146th international strike of Ronaldo’s career. By making his 26th appearance in the tournament, he surpassed German legend Lothar Matthaus to claim second place in the all-time list of most World Cup matches played, while also securing his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout stage. Shortly after the goal, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez made the surprising decision to substitute Ronaldo, who openly expressed his dissatisfaction as he left the pitch. With the tie seemingly headed for extra time, the narrative shifted dramatically when Goncalo Ramos, who had replaced Joao Cancelo in the 62nd minute, breached the Croatian defense in the 94th minute to secure the comeback victory. Portugal now faces a formidable challenge in the round of 16 against former world champions Spain at the Dallas Stadium on July 6.
ലഘു വിവരണം
ടൊറാൻറോയിൽ നടന്ന ആവേശകരമായ മത്സരത്തിൽ ക്രൊയേഷ്യയെ 2-1 ന് പരാജയപ്പെടുത്തി പോർച്ചുഗൽ ലോകകപ്പ് പ്രീ-ക്വാർട്ടറിലേക്ക് യോഗ്യത നേടി. രണ്ടാം പകുതിയിൽ ഇവാൻ പെരിസിച്ചിലൂടെ ക്രൊയേഷ്യ മുന്നിലെത്തിയെങ്കിലും പെനാൽറ്റിയിലൂടെ ക്രിസ്റ്റ്യാനോ റൊണാൾഡോ പോർച്ചുഗലിന് സമനില നൽകി. ഈ ഗോളോടെ ലോകകപ്പിൽ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതൽ മത്സരങ്ങൾ കളിച്ച രണ്ടാമത്തെ താരമെന്ന ചരിത്രനേട്ടം റൊണാൾഡോ സ്വന്തമാക്കി. ഇൻജുറി ടൈമിൽ പകരക്കാരൻ ഗോൺസാലോ റാമോസ് വിജയഗോൾ നേടി. അവസാന നിമിഷത്തിൽ ക്രൊയേഷ്യ നേടിയ ഗോൾ വാർ (VAR) പരിശോധനയിലൂടെ ഓഫ് സൈഡാണെന്ന് കണ്ടെത്തിയതോടെ പോർച്ചുഗൽ വിജയം ഉറപ്പിച്ചു. പ്രീ-ക്വാർട്ടറിൽ സ്പെയിനാണ് പോർച്ചുഗലിന്റെ എതിരാളികൾ.
(With inputs from WN)
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