World Cup: Ronaldo consoles Modric as Portugal knock Croatia out in late VAR drama

Cristiano Ronaldo embraced a tearful Luka Modric after Portugal ended Croatia's FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the Round of 32 on Thursday. Moments after a lengthy VAR review denied Croatia a stoppage-time equaliser, Ronaldo walked across to comfort his former Real Madrid teammate as Modric acknowledged the traveling fans in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance.

"I played many years with Modric. It's great to see him still playing at the top level," Ronaldo said after the match. "I told him: Congrats, Luka. Good luck for the future of your career."

The emotional scenes followed a dramatic finish in Toronto, where substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home Rafael Leao's cross in the fourth minute of added time to send Portugal into the Round of 16.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Josko Gvardiol found the net deep into stoppage time, but VAR ruled the goal out after Mario Pasalic was adjudged offside when Igor Matanovic flicked the ball on.

Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 after the European champions beat Austria 3-0 earlier on Thursday.

Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, who finished after Josip Stanisic's cross took a deflection off Ruben Dias. The goal saw Perisic move past Davor Suker as Croatia's highest scorer in World Cup history.

Portugal dominated possession for long periods but struggled to find a breakthrough until VAR awarded a penalty for Nikola Vlasic's foul on Renato Veiga. Ronaldo stepped up in the 68th minute and calmly converted, becoming the oldest player to score in a men's World Cup knockout match at the age of 41. It was also the first knockout-stage goal of his World Cup career.

Roberto Martinez introduced Ramos midway through the second half, and the striker made the decisive impact. Rising above the Croatian defence, he powered Leao's cross past Dominik Livakovic in stoppage time to put Portugal ahead.

Croatia pushed desperately for one final chance and thought they had found it when Gvardiol turned the ball home in the 103rd minute. The celebrations were cut short after a prolonged VAR review detected an offside infringement in the build-up, confirming Portugal's place in the last 16.

The result ended Croatia's campaign in heartbreaking fashion. As the players sank to the turf at the final whistle, Modric stood in front of the Croatian supporters, applauding them through tears before Ronaldo crossed the pitch to offer a hug and a few quiet words to his long-time friend, bringing an emotional end to one of the defining careers in World Cup history.

FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News