Table of Contents
The wait is over. Just over 20 years after making his FIFA World Cup debut, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever knockout stage goal for Portugal at the tournament.
Portugal was awarded a penalty kick after VAR review in the 68th minute of Portugal's round of 32 match against Croatia on Thursday at Toronto Stadium and Ronaldo converted it from the spot. He is now the oldest player to score a goal in a knockout stage match at 41 years old.
Ronaldo thought he had his first-ever knockout stage match goal at the World Cup just moments earlier, but it was called offside. With 23 career offside calls at the World Cup, he has the second-most of any player ever, behind Robin van Persie, who had 25.
After it made its way past the keeper and across the line, Ronaldo let his emotions out. Going into Thursday's match, he had attempted 29 shots in eight World Cup knockout stage games without scoring, tied for the most of any player since 1966, along with Brazil’s Roberto Carlos.
Ronaldo has now scored 11 World Cup goals, moving him into a tie for ninth-most all-time with Jürgen Klinsmann and Sándor Kocsis, in 26 matches, which is the second-most ever behind Lionel Messi.
share
recommended
Get Ready For Mbappé, Haaland, Mexico In High-Stakes Round Of 32 Action
2026 World Cup Bracket: Live Look At The Round Of 16 Matchups
Unstoppable Mbappé: 4 Takeaways From France's Calm And Comfortable Win vs. Sweden
Haaland Delivers! 4 Takeaways From Norway's Milestone Win vs. Ivory Coast
Scouting USA vs. Bosnia And Herzegovina: What To Expect From World Cup Matchup
Mexico Teenager Gilberto Mora Makes History With Start vs. Ecuador
Will Christian Pulisic Start vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina? Latest On USA Star's Status
2026 World Cup Bracket: Full Round Of 32 Matchups
World Cup Roundup: Paraguay Shocks Germany; Brazil Survives With Late Winner
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3 
Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic 
FIFA Men's World Cup 
Cristiano Ronaldo 
Portugal
NEXT STORY
Mexico vs. Ecuador World Cup Weather Delay: Start Time, Hydration Break Updates
recommended
Get Ready For Mbappé, Haaland, Mexico In High-Stakes Round Of 32 Action
2026 World Cup Bracket: Live Look At The Round Of 16 Matchups
Unstoppable Mbappé: 4 Takeaways From France's Calm And Comfortable Win vs. Sweden
Haaland Delivers! 4 Takeaways From Norway's Milestone Win vs. Ivory Coast
Scouting USA vs. Bosnia And Herzegovina: What To Expect From World Cup Matchup
Mexico Teenager Gilberto Mora Makes History With Start vs. Ecuador
Will Christian Pulisic Start vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina? Latest On USA Star's Status
2026 World Cup Bracket: Full Round Of 32 Matchups
World Cup Roundup: Paraguay Shocks Germany; Brazil Survives With Late Winner
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3Original Article
