Cristiano Ronaldo finally ended his long wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout goal as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at Toronto Stadium. The veteran captain scored the equaliser from the penalty spot before Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage time winner to send Roberto Martinez’s side into the last 16, where they will face European champions Spain.
Martinez made two changes to the Portugal team that drew 0-0 with Colombia in their final group match. Joao Neves and Rafael Leao returned to the starting lineup after scoring in Portugal’s opening two group games, while Ronaldo once again led the attack. Croatia boss Ralf Rangnick kept faith with the same side that defeated Ghana 2-1 to secure qualification, with Petar Sucic, Nikola Vlasic, Martin Baturina and Ante Budimir all retaining their places.
Portugal entered the match unbeaten in six competitive meetings with Croatia, winning five and drawing one. Their most recent encounter ended in a goalless UEFA Nations League draw in November 2024.
Croatia almost made the perfect start inside three minutes. Ivan Perisic’s cross found Martin Baturina, who cut the ball back for Budimir, but Diogo Costa reacted quickly to hold the striker’s first time effort at his near post.
Portugal responded immediately with a golden opportunity of their own. Nuno Mendes released Rafael Leao with a superb pass, and the winger picked out Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United midfielder forced Dominik Livakovic into an excellent save before seeing his follow up blocked as Croatia scrambled clear.
Portugal continued to pile on the pressure. In the 23rd minute, Mendes whipped a dangerous cross toward the far post, but Marin Pongracic produced a brave diving header to deny Pedro Neto. Moments later, another Leao corner found Joao Neves, whose glancing header sailed just over the crossbar.
The chances kept coming. Joao Cancelo delivered an inviting cross into the six yard box after a brilliant cross field pass, but neither Fernandes nor Ronaldo could apply the finishing touch.
Despite Portugal’s dominance, the teams went into the break level. Croatia had started brightly, yet Portugal finished the stronger side after creating chance after chance. Fernandes tested Livakovic twice, while Ronaldo, Leao, Joao Neves, Veiga and Cancelo all came close as Portugal recorded 0.92 expected goals compared to Croatia’s 0.21.
Croatia made a lively start to the second half and nearly broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. Mateo Kovacic skipped past Cancelo before driving a low shot toward goal, but Costa stretched out a boot to divert the effort into the side netting.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes later. Josip Stanisic delivered an excellent cross to the far post where Perisic had escaped his marker. The experienced winger calmly controlled the ball before drilling a low finish into the bottom right corner to give Croatia a deserved 1-0 lead.
Portugal almost responded immediately. Leao cut inside from distance and curled a superb strike toward the top corner, but the crossbar came to Croatia’s rescue.
Croatia continued to threaten on the counter. Baturina burst through midfield before finding Sucic, whose low strike forced another fine save from Costa.
Portugal thought Ronaldo had finally levelled the score in the 61st minute. Cancelo’s cross field pass found the captain, who controlled brilliantly before finishing past Livakovic. However, the assistant referee’s flag went up for a marginal offside, and VAR confirmed the decision.
The equaliser eventually arrived from the penalty spot. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded Portugal a penalty when Nikola Vlasic was judged to have pulled Veiga inside the area.
Ronaldo stepped up in the 68th minute and confidently fired his penalty straight down the middle to beat Livakovic. The goal ended his long wait for a World Cup knockout goal, scoring at the 31st attempt in the competition’s elimination rounds. It also took his tally to three goals at the 2026 tournament.
Croatia almost regained the lead in spectacular fashion during the closing stages. Kovacic unleashed a brilliant effort from 25 yards that Costa tipped onto the post before recovering to palm away the midfielder’s follow up volley moments later. Shortly after, Matanovic beat his marker inside the area, but Costa again stood firm with another outstanding save.
Portugal pushed relentlessly for a winner. Veiga headed narrowly wide from a late corner, while Croatia missed a glorious chance in the 89th minute when Mario Pasalic guided a header agonisingly wide after Luka Modric’s inch perfect pass found Petar Sucic down the right.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Portugal struck in stoppage time. Deep into added time, Leao surged clear down the left before producing a magnificent cross into the penalty area. Substitute Goncalo Ramos rose between two defenders and powered a bullet header into the top right corner to make it 2-1. It was the second latest goal Portugal have ever scored at a World Cup, surpassed only by Silvestre Varela’s dramatic strike against the United States in 2014.
The drama was still not over. Thirteen minutes into stoppage time, Croatia believed they had rescued an equaliser. Perisic’s hopeful cross was flicked on by Matanovic before Pasalic redirected the ball into the path of Josko Gvardiol, who smashed home from close range to spark wild celebrations.
However, another lengthy VAR review broke Croatian hearts. Officials ruled that Matanovic’s slight touch had placed Pasalic in an offside position before the final pass, meaning Gvardiol’s goal was correctly disallowed.
The decision sparked furious reactions from Croatia’s travelling supporters, with bottles thrown onto the pitch causing a brief delay before the match finally resumed.
When the final whistle arrived, Portugal completed one of the most dramatic victories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A breathtaking second half produced three goals, three disallowed goals, a penalty and endless controversy before Ronaldo’s landmark strike and Ramos’ dramatic late winner secured a famous comeback. Croatia bowed out after a courageous display, while Portugal marched into the last 16, where an all Iberian showdown with Spain now awaits.
