Portugal advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
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Portugal equalized in the 68th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty following a VAR review that confirmed a foul by Nikola Vlasic on Renato Veiga.
Goncalo Ramos secured the win in the 94th minute, heading a precise cross from Rafael Leao between two Croatian defenders.
The match ended with further drama in the 103rd minute when a potential equalizer by Josko Gvardiol was overturned by VAR due to an offside by Mario Pasalic.
Portugal will face Spain in Dallas on Monday, after Spain defeated Austria 3-0 with two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and one from Pedro Porro.
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Historic Milestone
The fixture marked a historic milestone as 41-year-old Ronaldo and 40-year-old Luka Modric became the first pair of players aged 40 or older to face each other in a World Cup knockout game.
Ronaldo also set a record as the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match, his first career goal in the tournament's elimination rounds, before being substituted for Ruben Neves in the 81st minute.
Before the match, Ronaldo's sister Katia said, "Enjoy it while it lasts. It's ending soon.
This is his last dance."
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Modric exited the tournament in what could be his final appearance for Croatia, having received a yellow card during the intense match played in 35-degree heat.
