At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo has earned at least one more match in a Portugal jersey after converting a penalty, with Goncalo Ramos sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia with a stoppage-time header and a VAR decision that left the Croatians fuming.
Ramos headed home the winner deep into stoppage time in a chaotic finish to Thursday night's World Cup round-of-32 clash. Moments later, Croatia thought it had forced extra time, only for a late equalizer to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
The match also showcased two of football's enduring icons, with 41-year-old Ronaldo appearing at his sixth World Cup and 40-year-old Luka Modric making his fifth attempt to lead Croatia to the sport's biggest prize.
Ronaldo leveled the score in the 68th minute from the penalty spot, scoring his first career World Cup knockout-stage goal before being substituted in the 81st minute as Portugal pushed for a late winner.
"I never felt any of that (fear)," he said. "Yes, nervous. But as always, you have to be very positive for things to go well."
