Portugal secured a spot in the World Cup last 16 following a 2-1 victory over Croatia, a match marked by late VAR drama and significant individual moments. The game saw Cristiano Ronaldo score his first-ever World Cup knockout goal, while Luka Modric likely played his final match in the tournament.
The encounter in Toronto Stadium was a closely contested affair, with momentum shifting between the two sides. Croatia initially took the lead in the second half through Ivan Perisic, who found the net after a strong start to the period. This goal came from an area of the pitch where Portugal had previously created numerous opportunities.
Before Croatia‘s opener, Portugal had dominated much of the first half, creating several chances. Rafael Leao was particularly active on the left flank, delivering crosses into the box. Early in the game, Bruno Fernandes had two shots on target, with one saved by Dominik Livakovic and another blocked by the defence. Pedro Neto also posed a persistent threat for Portugal during the opening period.
Despite Portugal‘s early pressure, Croatia‘s defence remained resolute, absorbing waves of attacks and maintaining a strong presence in midfield. Their strategy involved isolating Martin Baturina against Joao Cancelo and delivering balls into the box for Ante Budimir, though this approach was not consistently successful.
Second-half drama unfolds
The second half saw a change in dynamic, with Croatia starting on the front foot. Their lead came eight minutes into the half, with Perisic converting a cross from Josep Stanisic. Following this, Croatia continued to press, with Petar Sucic and Igor Matanovic creating further chances, although some were ruled out for offside.
Portugal responded to Croatia‘s lead with increased urgency. A penalty was awarded to Portugal after a VAR review, following an incident where Renato Veiga was pulled down in the area by Nikola Vlasic. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted the spot-kick, levelling the score and marking a significant personal milestone.
The match remained finely balanced, with both teams pushing for a winner. Mateo Kovacic had two long-range efforts saved, and Matanovic also had a shot saved. Ronaldo was later substituted off for Ruben Neves, a decision that appeared to be a tactical adjustment by manager Roberto Martinez.
Late winner and VAR controversy
The substitution proved effective, as Portugal began to control possession and close down counterattack opportunities. In added time, Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal, glancing home a cross from Rafael Leao. This goal put Portugal ahead, leading to extended celebrations that resulted in additional minutes being added to stoppage time.
The drama continued into the final moments of the game when Josko Gvardiol scored what appeared to be a late equaliser for Croatia. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR check, which determined an offside in the build-up. The decision, which involved an on-field review by official Espen Eskaas following a recommendation from Jarred Gillet, was controversial, with reports indicating that Igor Matanovic was deemed offside after touching Ivan Perisic‘s cross, making Mario Pasalic, the assister, offside despite the ball deflecting off Portugal‘s Renato Veiga.
The disallowed goal ensured Portugal‘s progression to the next round, where they are set to face Spain. This upcoming fixture will be a replay of the 2025 Nations League final, which Portugal won.
For Luka Modric, the match likely marked his final appearance in a World Cup. The 40-year-old captain of Croatia had to leave the tournament, while Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, continues his World Cup journey.
Goncalo Ramos, who scored the decisive goal, expressed his enjoyment of high-stakes matches, stating, “It’s difficult because it’s a game if you don’t win, you go home. But for me, especially, I love those types of moments, I love those types of games, I want to play every game like that, I want to be in the big moment.”
The performance of Portugal‘s midfield, including players like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, has been a subject of discussion, with some suggesting they have struggled to dictate play under pressure, except for their win against Uzbekistan. Manager Roberto Martinez faces selection challenges, particularly regarding whether Ramos should start in place of Ronaldo in the upcoming match against Spain.
The match concluded with Portugal securing their place in the last 16, setting up a clash with Spain.
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Source: skysports.com
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”