India, July 3 -- Croatia secured an astonishing lead early in the second half in the FIFA World Cup knockout game against Portugal after Ivan Perisic finished from close range. The Toronto crowd enjoyed an end-to-end show in the first 45 minutes, though no team could find the breakthrough. Portugal looked better in the midfield, creating more chances than their opponents. Croatia could not keep the ball for long, but appeared threatening in counter-attacks.

An enthralling start was expected after the break and Croatia didn't disappoint. Only a few minutes into the second half, Perisic produced a moment of beauty, beating Diogo Costa with a precise strike.

More drama awaited as Cristiano Ronaldo pulled Portugal back into the contest by s...