It took Cristiano Ronaldo 20 years to score this World Cup goal | OneFootball

There are not many career firsts that Cristiano Ronaldo has left to tick off his list, but he finally achieved a long-awaited FIFA World Cup milestone this week. 

Portugal overcame Croatia in a highly-entertaining round of 32 tie on Friday to set up a mouth-watering clash with neighbours Spain.

After dominating the opening half, the Seleção das Quinas found themselves behind in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic slid the ball underneath goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo thought he had equalised soon after when he took down Joao Cancelo’s high ball with an excellent touch before putting the ball in the net with a deft finish. But his trademark celebration was cut short as the flag had been raised after he veered offside when the pass was made.

The Al-Nassr forward was given the opportunity to score again, though, when Portugal were awarded a penalty after VAR spotted Nikola Vlasic dragging on Renato Veiga in the box.

It was a pretty soft decision given some of the stuff players have been allowed to get away with at this World Cup, but the decision was final and Ronaldo duly slotted the spot kick to make it 1-1.

Super sub Gonçalo Ramos went to grab a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time, 13 minutes after Ronaldo had been replaced by Ruben Neves with a disgruntled look on his face.

Croatia still had time to put the ball in the net, but Josko Gvardiol’s finish was cancelled after Mario Pasalic was controversially ruled offside, sending Portugal through to the round of 16.

Read – The players to score and be red carded in a World Cup knockout match

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first World Cup knockout goal

Ronaldo’s equaliser was, remarkably, the first time he has scored a goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup after 20 years and six tournaments of trying.

Equally extraordinary is the fact that his penalty attempt was his only touch in the opposition box in the entire game, illustrating just how ineffective he has become as a striker at this level at the age of 41.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will have at least one more opportunity to add to his career tally of 11 World Cup goals when Portugal face Spain in Arlington on Monday, before potentially retiring from international football.

Read – Arsenal set new World Cup record for assist providers

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