Minimalist Milan Striker Proves Decisive from the Bench Again
Portugal advanced to the next round in thrilling fashion after newly signed AC Milan forward Goncalo Ramos rose between Marin Pongracic and Josko Gvardiol to power home a Rafael Leao cross, breaking Croatian hearts in the dying moments of an exhausting encounter.
Ramos spent 56 minutes on the pitch following his 62nd-minute introduction for Bruno Fernandes, initially partnering Cristiano Ronaldo upfront before spearheading a tactical setup change to a 4-3-3 formation that isolated him as the lone striker.
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The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker maintained his reputation as a clinical substitute, registering just 19 touches and waiting until stoppage time to touch the ball inside the penalty area, maximizing his limited opportunities with standard-defining efficiency.
Remarkably, the specialist forward has now scored four career World Cup knockout goals, outstripping international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with five of his last six aerial goals generated from a trademark standing vertical leap rather than a dynamic running jump.