Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a final World Cup chapter survived a night of high tension and higher controversy as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1, a last-gasp VAR intervention denying the 2018 finalists a dramatic equaliser.

Portugal, sluggish for long spells, were forced to come from behind after Ivan Perisic punished their passive restart to the second half. The veteran winger, cutting in from the left, drilled low beyond Diogo Costa to give Croatia a deserved lead and briefly tilt the tie towards Luka Modric’s ageing but streetwise side.

Roberto Martinez responded with a sweeping quadruple substitution that changed the game’s rhythm. Within minutes, Renato Veiga was hauled down in the box by Nikola Vlasic after a corner, and following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Ronaldo, under intense scrutiny and with rumours swirling that defeat would end his international career, stepped up and buried the spot-kick with trademark composure for his first ever World Cup knockout goal.

The equaliser energised Portugal. Rafael Leao, their most dangerous outlet all evening, repeatedly stretched Croatia’s back line, rattling the crossbar with a fierce effort before finally providing the decisive delivery. Deep into added time, his curling cross from the left was met by substitute Goncalo Ramos, who glanced a deft header inside the far post to complete the turnaround.

Yet the drama was far from over. With Portugal clinging to their lead in the dying seconds, Croatia launched one final assault. A deep cross from Perisic was recycled into the area, and Josko Gvardiol swept the ball home, sparking wild Croatian celebrations and sending the contest seemingly into extra time.

Those celebrations were cut short by a lengthy VAR check. Replays showed Igor Matanovic had faintly diverted Perisic’s initial cross, leaving Mario Pasalic offside in the build-up despite a subsequent deflection off Veiga. After being sent to the pitchside monitor, referee Espen Eskaas ruled the goal out, prompting fury from Croatia and relief from Portugal.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic condemned the officiating and lamented VAR’s impact on the spectacle, while Martinez insisted the decision was “a clear moment” rather than fortune. For Modric, likely at his final World Cup, it was a brutal exit. For Ronaldo, withdrawn before the decisive winner, it was vindication: he had scored when it mattered and lived to fight another day.

Portugal now advance to a heavyweight last-16 showdown with Spain, a rematch of their Nations League triumph and a test that will intensify the debate over whether Ramos, not Ronaldo, should lead the line from the start.