Pakistan, July 3 -- Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia to book their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, where they will meet Spain in a highly anticipated clash. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first World Cup knockout-stage goal of his career from the penalty spot before substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner. Croatia thought they had forced extra time, but a late equaliser was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Portugal controlled possession for much of the opening half but struggled to convert several promising opportunities into goals. However, Croatia returned with greater intensity after the break and took the lead through Ivan Perisic, who calmly finished after receiving a well-timed pa...