Published: July 3, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Portugal survived a major scare to edge Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Toronto Stadium, with Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage-time winner sealing a place for them in the Round of 16 after a closely-fought contest which was packed with chances, controversy and late drama.
Discipline and old-school values power Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible fitness at 41
The first half ended goalless, but it was anything but uneventful. Croatia made the brighter start, with Budimir forcing Diogo Costa into an early save, before Portugal took complete control of proceedings. Roberto Martinez’s side created chance after chance, finishing the opening period with 0.97 expected goals (xG) compared to Croatia’s 0.21.
Dominik Livakovic produced a string of important saves to deny Bruno Fernandes, while Joao Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gabriel Veiga, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Fernandes again all came close to breaking the deadlock. Croatia remained dangerous in flashes, with Budimir heading over and Martin Baturina seeing an effort blocked, but the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Croatia step up after the break
Croatia stepped up after the restart and finally found the breakthrough through Ivan Perisic. Josip Stanisic delivered an inviting cross into the area, which was flicked on to the far post where Perisic had escaped his marker. The veteran controlled the ball before firing a low finish across Costa to give Croatia a deserved 1-0 lead.
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Portugal struggled to respond immediately, while Croatia looked increasingly threatening on the counter. Rafael Leao came agonisingly close to an equaliser when his curling strike from distance crashed against the crossbar with Livakovic beaten. At the other end, Mateo Kovacic almost doubled Croatia’s advantage with a brilliant run and curling effort that Costa brilliantly tipped onto the post before making another outstanding save from the rebound.
Ronaldo gives Portugal a lifeline
Portugal eventually found their lifeline in the 68th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending Livakovic the wrong way with a finish straight down the middle. The goal not only restored parity at 1-1 but also marked the 41-year-old’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. He also became the oldest goalscorer to score in the World Cup knockout stages history.
Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos scores in stoppage time to send Portugal into the round of 16. Pics: FIFA/X
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Just when extra time looked inevitable, Portugal struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Veiga released Leao down the left, and the winger produced a superb in-swinging cross into the box. Goncalo Ramos rose between two Croatian defenders and powered a header into the top-right corner to put Portugal 2-1 ahead and keep their World Cup dream alive.
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VAR disappointment for Crotia
Croatia thought they had rescued the game in the 103th minute when Josko Gvardiol found the net, but a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out. Mario Pasalic was judged to be offside after Ivan Matanovic’s faint touch on Perisic’s delivery, leaving Croatia devastated as the equaliser was chalked off.
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The final whistle confirmed Portugal’s place in the Round of 16, where they will meet Spain, while Croatia’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end. The night also carried an emotional significance for Luka Modric, whose remarkable international career may have come to a close. The Croatian deserved a better send off from the world stage.
The Croatian captain leaves the world stage as one of his country’s greatest-ever players, having inspired a generation with his brilliance, leadership and unwavering commitment. Even in defeat, the midfield maestro walked off to a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy will endure long after the final whistle.
