Bernardo Silva came off the bench in the second half to help Portugal come back to win their round-of-32 tie against Croatia on Thursday night.
In one of the best games of the entire World Cup, Portugal were 2-1 victors against Luka Modric’s team in what was a controversial, nail-biting affair.
Former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo scored the equaliser — and also had a brilliant goal marginally disallowed — while Modric and Mateo Kovacic were far and away the best players on the pitch for their
country.
Portugal went ahead through Goncalo Ramos’ header, and then conceded a late goal which was controversially ruled out for offside.
Silva came on to play alongside Joao Neves and then Ruben Neves in the 62nd minute, and recorded 17 touches. He completed eight of his 11 passes, had one clearance and two recoveries. The new Real Madrid signing did not have much to do as, after Portugal’s goal, Croatia dominated the ball for long stretches.
Portugal will now play Spain in the next round of the tournament.
