​​​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

​Portugal defeated Croatia 2 to 1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup knockout clash, surviving a controversial stoppage time VAR decision to book their place in the next round. Gonçalo Ramos scored the winning goal deep into added time before Croatia had an apparent equaliser ruled out for offside following a lengthy video review, sealing Portugal's progression after an eventful contest.

Cristiano Ronaldo also found the scoresheet from the penalty spot as Portugal overcame a resilient Croatian side in one of the tournament's most dramatic matches.

Ramos delivers decisive late winner

With the match seemingly destined for extra time, Portugal found the breakthrough in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Rafael Leão floated a cross into the penalty area, where Gonçalo Ramos rose above Joško Gvardiol and Marin Pongračić to glance a header inside the post.

The goal gave Portugal a 2 to 1 advantage and appeared to settle the contest before one final twist.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time moments later when Gvardiol finished from close range after a crowded sequence inside the box.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside following a slight touch from a Croatian player before the ball reached Mario Pašalić, who was adjudged to be in an offside position.

The decision sparked frustration among Croatian players and supporters before the final whistle confirmed Portugal's victory.

Ronaldo levels from the penalty spot

Croatia had frustrated Portugal for much of the second half before VAR awarded Portugal a penalty after Domagoj Vlašić was judged to have held Renato Veiga inside the penalty area.

Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, waiting for goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to commit before striking his effort down the middle.

The goal cancelled out Croatia's earlier advantage and kept Portugal firmly in the contest.

Earlier in the half, Ronaldo had another effort ruled out for a marginal offside after another close VAR review.

Croatia pushed Portugal to the limit

Despite the defeat, Croatia created several excellent opportunities to progress.

Mateo Kovačić forced Diogo Costa into two outstanding saves after striking the post from long range before seeing his follow up denied.

Later, Igor Matanović was also denied one on one by Costa as Croatia increased the pressure in search of a winner.

Portugal, who controlled possession for much of the opening half, struggled to maintain the same rhythm after the break as Croatia's midfield grew into the contest.

nto the contest.

VAR dominates closing stages

The match will be remembered as much for its technology as its football.

Ronaldo's disallowed goal, the penalty decision and Croatia's late ruled out equaliser all came following VAR intervention.

The final offside call relied on semi automated offside technology and the sensor inside the match ball to determine a slight touch before Pašalić received possession in an offside position.

While the decision followed the Laws of the Game, it prompted significant debate over the growing influence of technology in elite football.

Portugal ultimately emerged victorious after surviving one final Croatian attack to advance to the next stage of the tournament.