World Cup 2026: Ramos stoppage-time winner sends Portugal past Croatia into last 16
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time header from Goncalo Ramos, securing a spot in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal survived a tense and chaotic knockout battle against Luka Modric's Croatia in Toronto, sealing a 2-1 win. Substitute Goncalo Ramos headed in a superb pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time, snuffing out a Croatia team that had created the lion's share of chances in the sapping evening heat.
In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they had equalised in the dying seconds, but Josko Gvardiol's goal was chalked off for offside. The Croatians were left stunned, while Portugal's players celebrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his role, stroking home a penalty that cancelled out Ivan Perisic's opener. It was Ronaldo's first ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup, and his remarkable international career will have another chapter when Portugal face Spain in Dallas on Monday.
Perisic had stunned the Portuguese by slotting the ball under advancing goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute. Minutes later, Ronaldo had the ball in the net after controlling a long pass, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Portugal got level when Renato Veiga was grabbed by Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area, and after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. Ronaldo converted with ease, hitting the ball straight down the middle.
In a pulsating game, Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic saw his low shot pushed onto a post by Costa's fingertips. Croatia continued to push, and Peta Sucic had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute for Ruben Neves. Croatia created more chances, and Mario Pasalic came close with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide. Then Ramos connected, and Portugal were through.
