Cristiano Ronaldo scored a crucial goal in Portugal’s Round of 32 match against Croatia, amid speculation about this being his last World Cup appearance. This marked his first goal in the World Cup Knockout Stage, and at 41 years and 147 days old, he became the oldest player to score in such a match, according to ESPN.
The goal was vital for Portugal. Croatia had taken the lead at the 53-minute mark with a goal by Ivan Perisic. Portugal later got a penalty, and Ronaldo scored at the 68-minute mark, bringing the teams level.
Ronaldo exited later in the half and watched as Portugal went ahead 2-1 with Goncalo Ramos’s goal in extra time. This put Portugal into the next phase, keeping Ronaldo’s World Cup journey alive.
Ronaldo’s sister, Katia, mentioned earlier this could be his final World Cup, heightening the significance of each match.
This World Cup is Ronaldo’s sixth. He debuted in 2006 and participated in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Meanwhile, this match might have been the final appearance for Croatia’s Luka Modric, also 40. The two, former Real Madrid teammates, have shared over 200 matches for the club.
Ronaldo consoled Modric after the match before celebrating with his teammates, cherishing the opportunity to continue playing.
Portugal now prepares to meet a strong opponent in Spain for the Round of 16 on Monday. Spain features 18-year-old talent Lamine Yamal, and the match will draw attention from fans eager to see how the contest unfolds.