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Portugal vs Croatia FIFA 2026 Highlights: Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match at Toronto Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot before Gonçalo Ramos netted a dramatic injury-time winner to send Portugal into the Round of 16.
The match had everything - missed chances, VAR drama, late goals, and emotional moments. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 on July 7 in Dallas, while Croatia's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end.
Portugal vs Croatia Match Details
- Match: Portugal vs Croatia, Round of 32
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto
- Result: Portugal won by 2-1
- Half-Time Score: Portugal 0-0 Croatia
- Full-Time Score: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
- Portugal Goal Scorers: Cristiano Ronaldo (64' Pen), Gonçalo Ramos (90+4')
- Croatia Goal Scorer: Ivan Perišić (53')
First Half Highlights: Portugal Dominated but Failed to Score
- Portugal controlled possession from the opening whistle.
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed a good headed chance inside the first 10 minutes.
- Portugal created several attacking opportunities but Croatia's defense remained solid.
- Croatia struggled to create clear chances but defended with discipline.
- The first half ended 0-0 despite Portugal's attacking dominance.
First Half Stats
- Possession: Portugal 60% - Croatia 28%
- Goal Attempts: Portugal 9 - Croatia 3
- Half-Time Score: 0-0
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Second Half Highlights: Ronaldo Equalises Before Ramos Wins It Late
The second half produced all the excitement.
- 53rd Minute: Ivan Perišić gave Croatia a 1-0 lead with a clinical finish.
- Portugal increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
- 64th Minute: After a VAR review, Portugal were awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box.
- Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted the penalty to make it 1-1.
- The goal was Ronaldo's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout goal and his third goal of the 2026 tournament.
- Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, with Rúben Neves coming on.
Injury-Time Drama Seals Portugal's Victory
The match became even more dramatic after regulation time.
- Ten minutes of stoppage time were added, but play continued for nearly 18 minutes.
- 90+4 Minute: Gonçalo Ramos headed home Rafael Leão's cross to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.
- Croatia pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing moments.
- 90+15 Minute: Croatia thought they had scored, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for offside.
- A few minutes later, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Portugal's place in the Round of 16.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Creates Another FIFA World Cup Record
Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his legendary career.
- Became the oldest player to appear in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at 41 years and 147 days.
- Became the first player aged over 40 to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
- His penalty against Croatia was his first-ever knockout goal in FIFA World Cup history.
Croatia's FIFA World Cup Campaign Ends
Croatia fought hard throughout the match and even took the lead through Ivan Perišić. However, Portugal's late comeback and a heartbreaking VAR decision in stoppage time ended Croatia's hopes of progressing.
It was also an emotional night for Luka Modrić, who played what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup match. After the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo embraced his former Real Madrid teammate in a touching moment.
Portugal vs Croatia Match Stats
| Stats | Portugal | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 1 |
| Ball Possession | 51% | 40% |
| Total Shots | 15 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 6 |
| Total Passes | 587 | 383 |
| Passing Accuracy | 90% | 84% |
Portugal Advance, Spain Await
Portugal's dramatic comeback keeps their FIFA World Cup 2026 dream alive. Roberto Martínez's side will now face Spain in the Round of 16 in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament. Croatia, meanwhile, exit the competition after a brave performance that ended in heartbreaking fashion.
Also Read: Spain vs Austria FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights: Spain Win 3-0
