Toronto, Canada: Portugal scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner through Gonçalo Ramos to defeat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday and book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face neighbours Spain in one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout ties.
After a cagey first half produced few clear-cut chances, Croatia struck first eight minutes after the restart through veteran winger Ivan Perišić.
The 37-year-old capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area in the 53rd minute to fire Croatia into the lead with his seventh FIFA World Cup goal.
Croatia nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later when Nikola Vlašić found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Portugal responded positively and almost equalised in the 58th minute when Rafael Leão curled a brilliant effort against the post.
Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had levelled matters two minutes later after calmly finishing beyond the Croatian goalkeeper, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Portugal’s sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute after Renato Veiga was brought down inside the penalty area while challenging for a corner kick.
Ronaldo stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity at 1-1.
Croatia continued to threaten and came within inches of reclaiming the lead in the 74th minute when Mateo Kovačić weaved through the Portuguese defence before rattling the foot of the post with a powerful strike.
The Croatians had another goal chalked off in the 80th minute after Petar Sučić was flagged offside following his finish.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Portugal produced one final attack deep into stoppage time.
Leão delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to power home a header in the fourth minute of added time, sealing a dramatic comeback victory.
Croatia believed they had rescued the game in the 102nd minute when the ball found the net, but a VAR review confirmed an offside infringement, ending their World Cup campaign.
Portugal’s victory sets up a heavyweight Iberian derby against Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, with both European giants aiming to keep their hopes of lifting the World Cup alive.
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