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 looked to have made it 2-2.
After a lengthy VAR review, which will likely be debated for a long time, the equaliser was ruled out for offside - which meant Croatia and Luka Modric were out. The Croatian captain, 40, has now probably done his bit for the national team.
"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 the most energetically, but despite having a clear advantage, they lacked the lead in the first half. Croatia and the match then came to life. Ivan Perisic put the team 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," says Ronaldo.
Portugal next faces neighbouring Spain in the round of 16.
