Portugal secured a place in the World Cup round of 16 when Gonçalo Ramos, off the bench, scored the winning goal at the 48th minute of extra time against Croatia (2‑1) at BMO Field in Toronto on Thursday (July 2).

How did the goal unfold?

Ramos replaced a tiring striker and, minutes later, met a Rafael Leão cross from the left. The Portuguese rose between two defenders and headed the ball into the corner of goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, sealing the comeback that sent Portugal into the last‑16. The strike came as the team was pressing hard for an equaliser.

Why does Ramos’ story matter for Portugal?

His own words – “when you need a goal in the final minutes, call Gonçalo Ramos” – capture the reputation he built since 2022. In that World Cup, he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the round of 16 against Switzerland, netted three goals and provided an assist in a 6‑1 rout. Since then he has four goals and an assist in six World Cup matches, always in decisive moments.

What does this mean for upcoming fixtures?

The win gives Roberto Martínez two attacking options for the quarter‑final clash with Spain. Ramos offers an immediate impact alternative, while Ronaldo remains the offensive focal point. Together they could give Portugal the tactical flexibility needed against a strong opponent.

Ramos also shines at club level, but the spotlight is on Portugal

The striker repeats his late‑minute habit: in the 2025/26 Champions League he scored in the 90th minute against Barcelona for PSG, and in two Super Cups (Uefa and France) he was decisive against Tottenham and Marseille. He was recently transferred to Milan for €60 million – about R$ 355 million – further cementing his image as a big‑stage player. Now his focus is the World Cup, and his knack for clutch goals could be the difference for Portugal’s campaign.