Ronaldo scores as Portugal edge past Croatia in dramatic World Cup last-32 tie

Cristiano Ronaldo finally scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match as Portugal edged past Croatia in a dramatic round-of-32 tie, with a stoppage-time winner and a controversially disallowed Croatian goal capping a chaotic finish.

Ronaldo equalised for Portugal before Goncalo Ramos struck deep into stoppage time to send his side through. Croatia thought they had snatched a late leveller, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in agonising fashion.

Retirement whispers grow louder

Ahead of the match, speculation over Ronaldo’s future intensified after his sister Katia appeared to drop a hint about his next move, with suggestions swirling that his sixth and final World Cup could be nearing its conclusion. Ronaldo himself has been asked directly about retirement talk amid the ongoing tournament.

The 41-year-old’s dramatic equaliser against Croatia will only fuel debate over how much longer he can continue at the top level, even as Portugal book their place in the last 16.

Spain cruise past Austria

Elsewhere, Spain eased into the World Cup’s last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Tottenham defender Pedro Porro also got on the scoresheet, in a much-improved display following their goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening group match.

England’s Mexico City test and pub opening hours

Attention is also turning to England’s round-of-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico, which kicks off at 1am UK time in Mexico City next Monday. The British government has confirmed that pubs will be allowed to stay open for the fixture after Sir Keir Starmer relaxed licensing rules, having originally faced restrictions that would have prevented venues from broadcasting the full match within the permitted opening hours.

Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to let their children stay up to watch the game, or even miss school entirely, given the unusual kick-off time. Switzerland’s last-32 tie against Algeria follows at 4am, with Swiss international Granit Xhaka continuing to be linked with a Premier League return as Chelsea reportedly weigh up a move for the Sunderland midfielder.

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