Portugal national team striker Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal that led Portugal to beat Croatia 2-1 to advance to the round of 16 at BMO Field Stadium, Toronto, United States, Friday WIB.
In the round of 32 match, which also marked the first meeting between the two teams at the World Cup, Portugal dominated the game, exerting pressure from the start. Roberto Martinez's team immediately created several chances through Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in the fourth minute, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was alert to thwart them.
Not remaining silent, Croatia also threatened more through Ante Budimir's shot, but was unable to change the score.
The intensity of the match remained high throughout the first 15 minutes. Portugal had another chance from a corner, while Croatia thwarted the opposition's attack several times through fouls, including those by Petar Sucic and Mateo Kovacic. Cristiano Ronaldo also tried his luck, but none of his chances resulted in a goal.
Portugal continued to dominate possession and created another golden opportunity in the 16th minute. Renato Veiga met Nuno Mendes' corner kick with a header that beat Croatia's defenders, but the ball failed to convert.
Entering the final 15 minutes of the first half, Portugal intensified their attacks on the Croatian defense. Livakovic again came to his team's rescue in the 33rd minute, thwarting two consecutive chances from Bruno Fernandes.
