When Portugal's Goncalo Ramos made it 2-1 four minutes into added time, the uphill battle looked undeniably steep for Croatia. But the team refused to give up and far - far - into the already considerable stoppage time, Josko Gvardiol appeared to have made it 2-2.
After a lengthy VAR review, which will likely be debated for a long time, the equalizer was ruled out for offside - which meant Croatia and Luka Modric were out. The Croatian captain, 40, may now have made his final appearance for the national team, according to reports.
"I played with Luka for so many years. We are almost the same age. I think he is one of the legends of football," Cristiano Ronaldo said after the match.
Portugal started the match more energetically, but despite having the upper hand, they lacked the lead in the first half. Croatia then came to life. Ivan Perisic put them 1-0 up in the 53rd minute, and a quarter of an hour later Cristiano Ronaldo made it 1-1 from the penalty spot.
"In the first half we dominated the game. In the second half, after the goal, we panicked a bit. But that's how it is in football," Ronaldo said.
Portugal next faces neighboring Spain in the round of 16. The match will be played on Monday.
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