FIFA World Cup 2026™
Portugal defeat Croatia 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16
Goncalo Ramos scored an injury-time winner as Portugal battled into the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday with a drama-filled 2-1 victory over Croatia.… Show More
Goncalo Ramos scored an injury-time winner as Portugal battled into the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday with a drama-filled 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos's brilliant header sent Portugal into the last 16 of the World Cup after a gripping contest with Croatia.
Ramos met a superb ball in from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time to end Croatia's hopes after they had created the lion's share of the chances in the sapping evening heat in Toronto.
In a dramatic finish, Croatia thought they had equalised in the dying seconds, but Josko Gvardiol's goal was chalked off for offside.
The Croatians were left stunned by the decision, while Portugal's players celebrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his role in the victory, stroking home a penalty that cancelled out Ivan Perisic's opener.
It was Ronaldo's first ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup, and his remarkable international career will have another chapter when Portugal face Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Perisic had stunned Portugal by slotting the ball under the advancing goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute.
Within minutes, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after beautifully controlling a long pass, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Portugal got back on level terms when Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area and, after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo stepped up and converted with ease, sending the ball straight down the middle before pumping his fists in celebration.
In a pulsating game, Manchester City forward Mateo Kovacic saw a low shot pushed onto the post by Costa's fingertips.
Still Croatia pushed, and Petar Sucic had the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee's flag to go up for a clear offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute, with Ruben Neves coming on in his place.
Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents, and Mario Pasalic came so close to winning it with a header at the far post, but his effort bounced just wide.
Portugal ultimately held firm through the late chaos to book their place in the next round, where Luis de la Fuente's Spain await.
