Portugal reached the World Cup’s round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto, a match decided in the most dramatic fashion. Gonçalo Ramos headed in the winner during stoppage time, only moments before Croatia had a goal disallowed for offside at the other end. The result, which sets up a meeting with Spain, was forged after Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled out Ivan Perišić’s opener from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Ronaldo’s strike made him, at 41 years and 147 days, the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match, surpassing a mark held by Lionel Messi, and it was his first ever goal in the knockout phase of the tournament despite appearing in a record sixth edition.

The on-field drama unfolded against a backdrop of collective mourning. The match fell on the eve of the first anniversary of the car crash that killed Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. European and North American reports described how Jota’s image appeared on stadium screens during the national anthem, while supporters rose in the 21st minute—his squad number—to unfurl a banner and release balloons. After the final whistle, Ronaldo lifted and then wore Jota’s No. 21 jersey as the squad posed for a photograph, later telling Portuguese television: “We know he’s present with us and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way.” The same day, Liverpool FC unveiled a permanent memorial, “Forever 20”, at Anfield, designed by sculptor Emma Rodgers and incorporating fan tributes cast in bronze.

Manager Roberto Martínez, speaking to international media, described the first half as Portugal’s best of the tournament and explained his decision to withdraw Ronaldo in the 81st minute as a tactical shift to protect the lead by adding a midfielder. He also expressed regret that Toronto would host no further matches, praising the intimate, old-fashioned atmosphere of the lakeside venue. Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić, whose side exited the competition, said the fervent support from both sets of fans had tempered the disappointment of defeat.

Ronaldo, who later greeted hundreds of supporters from his hotel balcony, said he would decide on his international future only after Portugal’s campaign concludes. “I will have time, after we win or lose, to talk with my family and then make a decision,” he told reporters. The forward’s 976th career goal kept alive a tournament that now pits the European champions against neighbours Spain in Dallas, a fixture that will reprise the last Nations League final and, for one of these veteran-led squads, mark the end of an era.