Portugal have progressed into the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 following a dramatic late goal in extra time.

The sides got off to a cautious start as each enjoyed a brief spell of possession without seriously threatening the opposition goal.

Croatia steadily began to take control of the midfield as the game approached the quarter-hour mark, but there were still no chances forthcoming.

Croatia came close to playing in Mario Mandzukic in the 23rd minute, but the striker just couldn’t reach the ball ahead of the on-rushing Rui Patricio. Then, Portugal finally produced the first chance of the match as Pepe headed over following a free kick.

Ivan Perisic had a chance for Croatia on the half hour mark, but fired his shot into the side netting having stolen the ball off Nani.

Croatia were beginning to grow into the game and Mandzukic came close with a header, before Domagoj Vida missed the target with another header in the 37th minute. The scores remained level at 1-1 at the interval.

Croatia started well in the second half and had two chances in quick succession as an Ivan Rakatic cross just failed to reach its target, before Marcelo Brozovic fired just over the bar.

Renato Sanches then had a chance for Portugal following some lovely interplay on the edge of the box, but the young midfielder’s effort was dragged wide after 57 minutes. Vida then came close following a free kick but headed over the bar for Croatia in the 62nd minute.

Portugal began to look dangerous as they began penetrating ever deeper into Croatia’s side of the pitch, but failed to produce any end product.

Croatia had a late surge of their own, but failed to find an elusive goal as the game was taken into extra time. The side duly continued to pressure the Portuguese and had a series of half-chances in the added half hour, but to no avail.

Then, with just minutes remaining, Ricardo Quaresma scored. The winger seized on a loose ball following a Ronaldo shot to steal the game at the death.

Photo: Reuters