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One of the most anticipated Round of 32 fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered everything football fans hoped for.
Portugal and Croatia entered BMO Field in Toronto knowing only one team would continue its journey toward the World Cup trophy. The first half remained tense, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to break the deadlock.
Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute.
Veteran winger Ivan Perišić found the breakthrough with a composed finish, giving Croatia a deserved 1-0 advantage and putting Portugal under enormous pressure.
For a brief moment, Luka Modrić and Croatia looked destined for another famous World Cup knockout victory.
Portugal refused to panic.
As Roberto Martínez's side increased the pressure, VAR awarded Portugal a penalty after a foul inside the box.
In the 68th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped forward and calmly converted from the penalty spot to level the score at 1-1.
The goal marked Ronaldo's first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, adding yet another milestone to the legendary forward's remarkable international career.
The equalizer completely shifted the momentum as Portugal pushed relentlessly for a winner while Croatia attempted to hold on and force extra time.
With extra time only moments away, Portugal found one final opportunity.
In the 90+4th minute, substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose highest inside the penalty area to head home the winning goal, sending Portuguese supporters into celebration.
Croatia thought they had rescued the match moments later, but a dramatic VAR review ruled out their late equalizer for offside.
The decision confirmed Portugal's dramatic 2-1 victory, ending Croatia's FIFA World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion while extending Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of lifting football's biggest trophy.
Portugal's resilience once again proved decisive on the biggest stage.
Despite trailing early in the second half, Roberto Martínez's side showed experience, patience and composure to overturn the result and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided leadership when Portugal needed inspiration, while Gonçalo Ramos once again demonstrated his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
Portugal now advances to face Spain in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches of the tournament, while Croatia exits after another courageous World Cup performance led by Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić.