Goncalo Ramos: 'When goals in the final minutes repeat, it's not luck'
Portugal's Goncalo Ramos cemented his reputation as a super-sub by scoring a dramatic late winner against Croatia in the World Cup Round of 16.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Sport Lisboa e Benfica
In a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at the World Cup, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Goncalo Ramos. The striker, who came off the bench, once again demonstrated his knack for finding the back of the net when it matters most.
The match held deep emotional weight for the Selecao. Following the game, Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated the win to the late Diogo Jota, emphasizing that the team felt his presence throughout the match. The squad also rallied around assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho, who returned to the delegation shortly before kickoff following the funeral of his father.
Portugal's path to victory was far from straightforward. After trailing to an Ivan Perisic goal, they equalized through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa played a vital role, making five crucial saves that kept Portugal in the game during waves of Croatian pressure.
«When goals in the final minutes repeat, it's not luck. I want to be present in the big moments, in the decisive moments of the game», — Goncalo Ramos.
For Ramos, this goal continues a remarkable trend; seven of his ten goals this season were scored after starting the game on the bench. His clinical finish in the 93rd minute ensured Portugal's progression to the next stage of the tournament, further solidifying his status as a high-impact player.