RON WAY TO GO Eagle-eyed fans spot what Cristiano Ronaldo did to Goncalo Ramos before his World Cup winner against Croatia

CRISTIANO Ronaldo was spotted giving Gonçalo Ramos a passionate pep talk moments before the striker scored a late stoppage-time winner to fire Portugal into the last 16 of the World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen gesturing animatedly and speaking directly into Ramos’s face as Portugal searched desperately for a winner against Croatia. Portugal had looked to be heading out after Ivan Perisic fired Croatia ahead early in the second half.

Ronaldo thought he had levelled with a clever chipped finish, before seeing the effort ruled out for a marginal offside.

But the 41-year-old eventually got his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage goal from the penalty spot, after a VAR review spotted a foul on Renato Veiga inside the box.

Although CR7 was unhappy to come off in the 81st minute, the veteran forward’s leadership shone through, with many suggesting his instructions had paid off in spectacular fashion. And whatever Ronaldo said, it surely helped as Ramos went on to deliver the decisive moment deep in the 94th minute.

Fans reacted intensely to Ronaldo’s pep talk and reaction to Ramos scoring.

One said: “Learned from the Goat.”

Another added: “A player, a father, and a coach.” A third wrote: “Yes, he is a leader, the motivator, the icon. When he speaks, the whole world listens.”

The substitute Ramos rose highest to meet Rafael Leao’s pinpoint cross, powering a header beyond the Croatian goalkeeper to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.

As Portugal celebrated reaching the knockout stages, Ronaldo and the rest of the squad sprinted towards the 25-year-old, wrapping Ramos in a huge embrace after his winning goal.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time with virtually the last kick of the game when Josko Gvardiol bundled home in chaotic scenes.

Only for VAR to chalk the goal off after Mario Pasalic was adjudged to have been offside following a slight touch from Igor Matanovic.

Portugal will now face neighbours Spain in the last 16 as Ronaldo’s 20-year quest to lift the World Cup rolls on, in what will probably be his last chance.