Portugal have secured their place in the last 16 of the World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos proved enough to see Portugal through in what was a chaotic second half at the stadium.
The result sets up a mouth-watering Iberian derby in the next round, with Portugal facing fierce rivals Spain for a place in the quarter-finals.
Croatia, a nation that has regularly punched above its weight on the international stage, were unable to find a way back into the match despite pulling one back.
Portugal will now shift their focus quickly to preparing for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament’s knockout rounds.
The match in Toronto had plenty of drama, with the second half delivering the kind of intensity that World Cup knockout football so often demands.
Ronaldo, who continues to feature prominently on the international stage for Portugal, was on the scoresheet once again in a crucial fixture for his nation.
Goncalo Ramos, who has emerged as a key attacking threat for Portugal, also got his name on the scoresheet to help seal the win.
Croatia will be left to reflect on what might have been after showing enough quality to suggest they were capable of causing an upset at this World Cup.
Portugal’s passage to the last 16 means the prospect of a blockbuster clash with Spain now looms large, with both nations boasting some of the finest talent in world football.
The Iberian rivalry carries enormous weight historically, and fans can expect another fiercely contested encounter when the two sides meet in the knockout stage.
Portugal will be determined to advance further in the competition, and the performance against Croatia will give their squad confidence heading into what is a hugely demanding next fixture.
