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Ronaldo Becomes Oldest World Cup Scorer as Portugal Beats Croatia

7/3/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years and 147 days, became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 in Toronto, advancing to face Spain.
Gonçalo Ramos headed the winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
A VAR review ruled Croatia’s late equaliser offside, prompting fans to throw bottles onto the pitch.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, 42-year-old Roger Milla became the oldest player to score at a World Cup, netting against Russia as Cameroon won 6-1, a record that held until Faryd Mondragón broke it in 2014. The 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal for Portugal versus Croatia in Toronto shows veteran scorers still shaping tournaments, echoing Milla’s legacy.

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Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years and 147 days, became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 in Toronto, advancing to face Spain.
Gonçalo Ramos headed the winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
A VAR review ruled Croatia’s late equaliser offside, prompting fans to throw bottles onto the pitch.

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