Toronto: Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a historic equaliser before Gonçalo Ramos netted a stoppage-time winner. Croatia’s hopes of forcing extra time were dashed when a late goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, putting Portugal under pressure. The Portuguese responded in the second half when a VAR review awarded them a penalty after a foul inside the box. Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot in the 68th minute, becoming the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at the age of 41.
As the match appeared destined for extra time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home the winner deep into stoppage time to complete Portugal’s comeback. Croatia thought they had found an equaliser moments later, but VAR ruled the goal out for an offside infringement, triggering emotional scenes among Croatian players and supporters.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended the VAR decisions after the match, saying the technology ensured the correct outcome. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić, however, criticised the officiating, arguing that several key decisions went against his team, although he acknowledged Croatia had not performed well enough in the opening half.
The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16, where they will face Spain in one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout clashes. The defeat likely marks the end of Luka Modrić’s illustrious World Cup career, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable era for Croatian football after runner-up and third-place finishes in the previous two editions.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo paid tribute to former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, wearing Jota’s No. 21 shirt in an emotional gesture on the anniversary of his passing.
