Past Meets Future: Ronaldo Survives Croatia, Lamine Yamal and Spain Await.
Written By: Landon Pulmano
Contributor | Sideline Society Media
It came down to the final kick of stoppage time. A disallowed goal. A 41 year old who refused to let his World Cup end early. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first ever knockout goal at a men's World Cup on Thursday night. He was substituted before the winner arrived, but his equalizer set up a stunning finish that carries Portugal into the Round of 16 and a showdown with Spain and its 18 year old sensation, Lamine Yamal.
The final at BMO Field read 2-1. The number does no justice to the chaos of the last half hour. For 53 minutes Portugal dominated and found nothing, and it was Croatia who struck first, Ivan Perisic lashing a low shot across goal to quiet the crowd. Roberto Martinez's side needed an answer. Midway through the second half they got their chance, when Nikola Vlasic hauled down Renato Veiga in the box. The responsibility fell to the obvious man. Ronaldo buried the penalty in the 68th minute. In his sixth World Cup, very likely his last, he had gone his whole career without a goal in a knockout match. Now he had one.
Portugal survives. Croatia goes home, and so does Luka Modric, whose swan song ends one round short of where he wanted it.
The result sets up one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures. Portugal against Spain on Monday, a place in the quarterfinals on the line. It doubles as a collision of eras. On one side, Ronaldo at 41, playing what he and his manager have all but confirmed is his final World Cup. His influence fading even as his moments refuse to. When Portugal has needed one, he has produced it. On the other, Lamine Yamal, less than half his age, already one of the most electric players alive after a two dozen goal season for Barcelona.
Spain arrives in frightening form. They demolished Austria 3-0 and have been held only once all tournament. Only France and Argentina are rated likelier to lift the trophy. Monday puts soccer's past and its future on the same grass. If Ronaldo scores, it extends a record no man can touch, goals in more World Cups than anyone who has ever played. If Yamal takes over against the most decorated active player in the game, people will be talking about it for a decade. Kickoff is Monday get your popcorn ready!
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