Cristiano Ronaldo ended the two-decade old drought of not scoring in FIFA World Cup knockout games on July 3 in Toronto. Ronaldo scored the equaliser against Croatia in Portugal’s 2-1 win in Round of 32 clash. After the win, Ronaldo was asked about whether her sister Katia Aveiro’s claims of him retiring from international football are true. Ronaldo didn't rule it out but said that a decision will onto be taken after the tournament. The 41-year-old revealed that he wants to stay in the present and doesn't want to make a decision in haste.
“It is not important now. I will have time to talk about that after winning or losing the tournament; I will talk to my family, and then I will make the most appropriate decision,” Ronaldo told the reporters.
“I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment; now everything is done calmly. All that matters to me at the moment is enjoying the present and helping the national team,” he added.
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Minutes after offside, Ronaldo scores
Earlier in the game, Ronaldo’s goal was disallowed in the 61st minute. After an aerial pass, Ronaldo beat his marker and beat the Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic. However, the celebrations were short-lived as he was deemed offside.
A couple of minutes later he scored from the spot after Nikola Vlasic’s handball inside the box. It was Ronaldo’s first goal in nine appearances in World Cup knockout games since his debut in 2006.
Ronaldo was eventually subbed out in the 81st minute by manager Roberto Martinez making way for Ruben Neves. In the stoppage time, Goncalo Ramos scored the winner via a header. Late into the stoppage time, Croatia’s goal was denied as VAR found Josko Gvardiol offside.
After the win, Ronaldo dedicated the win to former teammate Diogo Jota who lost his life last year in a car accident.
Will Portugal end Spain goalkeeper Simon’s long-running streak?
After a dramatic win over Croatia, Portugal will go up against Spain in the pre-quarterfinal clash in Dallas. It will be a daunting task for Portugal as Spain are yet to concede a goal. With a 3-0 win over Australia, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon broke the record for longest streak of clean sheet in World Cup history. He hasn't conceded a goal for 519 minutes in past two World Cups.