SOCCER: Ramos scores late winner as Portugal beat Croatia to reach World Cup last 16

TORONTO — Portugal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Croatia, 2-1, in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Thursday, securing a place in the Round of 16.

Substitute Gonçalo Ramos scored the winning goal in stoppage time, heading in a precise cross from Rafael Leão in the 94th minute.

Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, but Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded Portugal a penalty.

Croatia appeared to have salvaged a late equalizer through Joško Gvardiol, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Portugal will face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday at Dallas Stadium. -Reporting by Nicole Fernandes in TorontoEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters