New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another milestone to his legendary career after scoring his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 early Friday. However, the goal, which came from a spot kick, was the only touch from Ronaldo inside the penalty box until he was subbed off in the 81st minute.
The goal ended one of the most talked-about statistics of Ronaldo’s World Cup career, as he had previously gone eight knockout matches without scoring in the tournament. After participating in six World Cups with 26 appearances, Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer netted his first-ever goal in the knockout stage of the most prestigious football tournament in the world.
On Friday, Ronaldo also became the oldest player to ever score in a World Cup knockout-stage match. His tally in the tournament now stands at 11. However, as the penalty became the only touch from Ronaldo inside the D-box, it highlighted how limited his involvement had been in attacking areas.
Despite the historic goal, Ronaldo’s overall performance generated discussion, with many pointing to his limited involvement in open play. Portugal appeared more versatile after the captain’s substitution, but the veteran forward still delivered the defining moment of the match from the penalty spot.
When asked what he suffers the most from, between a disallowed goal or a substitution? The veteran was quick to respond with, “I suffer more when I’m not in the starting lineup.”
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The 94th-minute winner for Portugal
After a goalless first half, Ivan Perisic fired Croatia into the lead with a bottom-corner finish in the 53rd minute after a lofted cross fell right on his feet, completely deceiving the defender. In the 68th minute, Ronaldo equalised for Portugal from the penalty.
The deciding factor in the match, however, came in the 94th minute when substitute Goncalo Ramos placed a sublime header into the net. Another match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, another late decider.
Social media users, however, pointed out the controversial decision to rule out Croatia’s goal.
“Apparently FIFA is scrubbing this video from the web. Did you notice on ALL replays, it was a far away side angle during VAR where you’re told ‘if he touched the ball he was offsides’ but they missed the spot- the Croatia player never makes contact with the ball,” an X user posted.
Meanwhile, FIFA also released a statement, saying that the ball did make contact with the Croatian player, making the move an obvious offside.
“According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the @adidasfootball Trionda, the official match ball of the @FIFAWorldCup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia’s #20 Igor Matanović in the build up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal,” it had said.
IMU sensors housed within the Trionda ball are capable of determining any slight contact, displayed to viewers in the broadcast as a ‘heartbeat graphic’, and allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions, FIFA added.
The result keeps Portugal’s World Cup hopes alive ahead of a major Round of 16 clash against Spain as Ronaldo continues to extend one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)