Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Portugal's dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia at the World Cup to the late Diogo Jota, almost a year on since he passed away in a car accident. 

Ronaldo scored his first goal in a knockout match at the World Cup to help Portugal come from behind and reach the last 16 of the competition, where they take on Spain. 

Ivan Perisic had given Croatia a deserved second-half lead before Ronaldo levelled things up from the penalty spot, but more drama ensued at Toronto Stadium for both teams.

Portugal took the lead in the 94th minute through Goncalo Ramos, though Croatia thought they had levelled things up in stoppage time, only for Josko Gvardiol to see his goal ruled out after Mario Pasalic collected Igor Matanovic's deft flick in an offside position. 

The match was the 16th time that Portugal had trailed at any point in a World Cup encounter. It was just the second time they won one of those matches, also doing so against DPR Korea in 1966 (D2 L12).

At the full-time whistle, Ronaldo was seen wearing Jota's shirt, with the former Liverpool forward symbolically included in Portugal's 27-man squad for the World Cup. 

"We knew it before the game, it was a so special moment," Ronaldo told Fox. "We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life. It's unbelievable.

"I was amazed because the situation of today means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but also the way.

"We know he is present with us, and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way."

Ramos, whose match-winning header was the second-latest goal scored for Portugal in their World Cup history, also paid tribute to his former international team-mate. 

"Every day it's special because we talk about [Jota] every day," Ramos told reporters.

"He gives us strength, and it's very special to have won today and to have reached one of the most important phases of this competition."

Portugal and Croatia both had goals ruled out during an enthralling second half, including Ronaldo, who chipped over Dominik Livakovic following an exquisite first touch. 

Nikola Vlasic had been earlier denied by the offside flag, before Petar Sucic saw his goal in the 80th minute ruled out for the same reason after Mateo Kovacic's fine pass. 

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic was critical of the officials, saying there was "bad refereeing" on show, though Roberto Martinez believed the officials were spot on with their decisions. 

"There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate," said Martinez when asked if Croatia had been robbed of a ​second goal by VAR.

"The chip ball showed that it was offside, the ​penalty was also clear. I understand the work of Dalic in this team, and ⁠it is a shame that there was only one winner today."

Portugal's triumph tees up a clash with European Champions Spain, who progressed to the last 16 with an impressive 3-0 win over Austria at Los Angeles Stadium. 

Spain remain unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente at major tournaments (World Cup/EURO), winning 10 of their 11 matches (D1).

Only Aime Jacquet (12) and Louis van Gaal (12) have overseen more matches across the two competitions without ever losing among European managers. 

Martinez was relishing the chance of squaring off against La Roja, but said Portugal's dramatic turnaround against Croatia had taken its toll. 

"We respect the quality of Spain. I think it is going to be a fantastic ​match, it is going to be the European game ​of this ⁠World Cup," Martinez added. 

"I have lost my hair through this, but ​I think it is worth it."