Summary: Spain - Uruguay 0:1/Sport1

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another chapter in his storied career last night (Thursday to Friday) by scoring his first-ever goal in World Cup knockout stages. He helped Portugal overcome a deficit en route to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia that propelled them into the round of 16.

Afterward an amusing online debate erupted. Commentators from the Arab world enthusiastically claimed Ronaldo whispered a Muslim prayer before his penalty, repeating 'Bismillah, Bismillah' meaning 'In the name of Allah.' Portuguese voices corrected them, insisting he was psyching himself up by saying 'vais marcar' - 'I'm going to score.' Either way the episode sparked lively arguments on both sides.

Cristiano Ronaldo struggles to hold back tears/GettyImages

CR7 wearing Diogo Jota's shirt at full time/GettyImages

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal striker, holds Diogo Jota's shirt/GettyImages

In a frenzy: Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal fans at a Toronto hotel

Ronaldo, who appeared especially animated after the match when he joined jubilant supporters and whipped them into celebration outside the hotel, also addressed the drama Portugal endured on the way to victory: 'I expected a game like this. As captain I have lived through such moments before. To win a tournament of this scale you must know how to suffer too. We controlled the first half but the second became chaotic and that is part of football. They scored, we felt the pressure, yet the penalty we converted released us emotionally. It grew difficult again afterward, but that is exactly what you prepare for.'

Ronaldo's goal from the spot drew him level with Lionel Messi on four World Cup penalty goals.

Cristiano and Modric share an embrace in farewell

Ronaldo also spoke about Luka Modric, whose World Cup ended in painful elimination: 'Yes, I said goodbye to him. He is a football legend and remains one. We are nearly the same age; I am one year older. I have great respect for Modric for everything he has achieved and continues to achieve in the game.'

The most emotional moment came after the final whistle. Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch wearing Diogo Jota's shirt in tribute to mark the first anniversary of the Liverpool and Portugal striker's passing.

The Portuguese captain appeared to fight back tears during the gesture honoring his former teammate. 'This is a special day for reasons we all know. Our Jota is up there shining down on us,' Ronaldo said. 'We all felt his presence with us and the best way to honor him was to win today.'