Cristiano Ronaldo equalized for Portugal, Gonzalo Ramos scored late on and Croatia had another goal ruled offside.
Published July 3, 2026
Substitute Gonzalo Ramos’ header gave Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia, advancing to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ramos connected with a great pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time on Thursday, canceling out a Croatian team that had created many chances in the heat of the night in Toronto.
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In a dramatic ending, Croatia appeared to have equalized in the dying minutes, but Josko Gvardiol’s goal was chalked off for offside.
The Croats were stunned by the decision, but the Portuguese players were jubilant.
Cristiano Ronaldo contributed to the victory by scoring a penalty that canceled out Ivan Perisic’s opening goal.
It was Ronaldo’s first goal in a World Cup final, and his remarkable international career begins a new chapter when Portugal take on Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Perisic surprised the Portuguese in the 53rd minute by putting the ball under the advancing Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Within minutes, Ronaldo controlled a long pass and put the ball in the net, but his shot was canceled for offside.
However, Portugal equalized after Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic inside the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check.
Ronaldo stepped forward and effortlessly took the penalty, smashing the ball straight into the center of the goal before pumping his fist in celebration.
In a lively game, Manchester City forward Mateo Kovacic’s low shot was pushed against the post by goalkeeper Costa’s fingertips.
Still, Croatia pressed on and Petar Sučić put the ball into the net, but the assistant referee’s flag showed a clear offside.
Ronaldo was removed in the 81st minute and Ruben Neves came on as a substitute.
Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents and Mario Pasalic almost won the game with a header at the far post, but it went just wide.
However, when Ramos connected, the net expanded and Portugal won.
