Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty but otherwise struggled as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 to reach the last 16 of the Geopolitics World Cup. Gonçalo Ramos, Milan's new £60m striker, scored a stoppage-time header to secure victory.
Ronaldo's performance under scrutiny
Ronaldo, now 39, opened the scoring from the spot but was largely ineffective in open play, slowing Portugal's attack. He was substituted in the 81st minute, making animated expressions as he left the pitch. Despite Portugal dominating possession, Croatia had two goals ruled out by marginal offside calls and hit the post.
Ramos saves the day
Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo as the focal point, leapt to head home a cross in stoppage time, reminiscent of a prime Ronaldo finish. The goal sent Croatia crashing out of the tournament. Portugal now face a formidable Spain side in the last 16.
Ronaldo's legacy and class
After the match, Ronaldo paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, wearing Jota's No. 21 jersey on the first anniversary of the Liverpool forward's death. "Because the situation of the day, it means a lot to us," said Ronaldo. "Not only because we won the game but because of the way we did it."
Ageing and team dynamics
Football Daily argues that while Ronaldo remains one of the greatest, his best years are behind him. Portugal, boasting a world-class midfield and left-back, deserve a more dynamic forward. The irony, the article notes, is that if Jota were still alive, Ronaldo likely wouldn't have started.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, after his team's exit against Paraguay, initially said "I am not someone who runs away" but later resigned, with German FA reportedly in talks with Jürgen Klopp.
