Portugal (foto: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1, dramatically ending Luka Modrić's World Cup dream.
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Portugal are through to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in one of the most thrilling matches of the 2026 World Cup.
It was billed as a showdown between two legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, with one of them destined to play his final World Cup match. After a dramatic finish in Toronto, it was Portugal who kept their dream alive.
Portugal controlled much of the first half, creating several dangerous opportunities but failing to beat Dominik Livaković. Croatia offered little going forward before the break, although they emerged with much greater intent after halftime.
Perišić strikes first
Mateo Kovačić went close early in the second half before Croatia found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute.
Josip Stanišić delivered an inviting cross that travelled beyond the central defenders, allowing Ivan Perišić to finish confidently and give Zlatko Dalić's side a 1-0 lead.
Portugal responded immediately. Rafael Leão struck the post, while Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had equalised, only for the goal to be ruled out.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 67th minute after Nikola Vlašić fouled Renato Veiga inside the penalty area. Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
Late drama decides the tie
Croatia continued to push for a winner and believed they had regained the lead when Petar Sučić found the net in the 80th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo was substituted shortly afterwards, with Rúben Neves replacing the Portuguese captain.
As extra time approached, Croatia pressed relentlessly, but it was Portugal who delivered the decisive blow.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home a superb cross from Rafael Leão to complete a dramatic comeback.
The drama was still not over. Deep into stoppage time, Joško Gvardiol appeared to equalise for Croatia, sending players and supporters into wild celebrations. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside.
The final whistle confirmed Portugal's place in the Round of 16, while Croatia's World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end.
World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Cristiano Ronaldo 67 (pen), Gonçalo Ramos 90+4; Ivan Perišić 53.