Portugal vs Croatia: Ronaldo Scores, Selecao Secure a Dramatic 2-1 Victory

Portugal secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after coming from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 fixture at Toronto Stadium, Friday WIB. Cristiano Ronaldo proved the pivotal figure with an equalising goal, before Goncalo Ramos emerged as the match-winner.

This victory sends the Selecao onwards in the tournament, setting up a Round of 16 clash against Spain. Croatia meanwhile are eliminated from the competition, despite taking the lead earlier in the match.

Croatia registered the first threat in the 3rd minute via a strike from Ante Budimir which drifted wide of the left goalpost. Portugal replied one minute later through Bruno Fernandes, whose effort was safely collected by Dominik Livakovic.

Portugal gradually took control of the game. Joao Cancelo unleashed a long-range shot in the 7th minute, followed by Renato Veiga's header from Nuno Mendes' corner kick which failed to hit the target.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also unable to convert Cancelo's cross in the 30th minute. Despite holding superior possession and attacking momentum, Portugal could not break the deadlock before the half-time interval.

Croatia began the second half with far greater aggression. Mateo Kovacic almost put his side ahead in the 47th minute, only to be denied by a critical save from Diogo Costa.

Croatia's pressure yielded a goal six minutes later. A cross from Josip Stanisic deflected off a Portugal defender, falling perfectly for Ivan Perisic. The PSV Eindhoven winger finished cleanly past Diogo Costa, putting Croatia 1-0 up in the 53rd minute.

Portugal came under further pressure when Croatia found the net again just three minutes later. Their celebrations were cut short however, as the goal was ruled out for offside.

In the 68th minute, Portugal were awarded a penalty after Renato Veiga was fouled by Nikola Vlasic during a corner kick sequence.

Stepping up as the designated taker, Cristiano Ronaldo converted the spot kick flawlessly to level the scores at 1-1.

Croatia threatened again through Kovacic, whose volley was parried away by Diogo Costa. Luka Sucic also beat the Portugal goalkeeper in the 80th minute, but this strike was also disallowed for offside.

Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Portugal scored the winning goal in the 90+4th minute. Rafael Leao delivered a cross which was met by a clinical header from Goncalo Ramos, putting the Selecao 2-1 ahead.

In the 90+14th minute, Josko Gvardiol appeared to score a late equaliser for Croatia. However following a VAR review, this goal was also ruled out for offside.

The final whistle eventually confirmed Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia.

Match Lineups

Portugal: Diogo Costa (GK); Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic (GK); Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric; Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina; Ante Budimir