Portugal beat Croatia late to reach World Cup last 16
Goncalo Ramos scored in stoppage time after Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, AFP reported.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Portugal reached the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a late Goncalo Ramos header secured a 2-1 win over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday, AFP reported. The result kept Cristiano Ronaldo’s tournament alive after he scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match, according to AFP.
Ramos, who came on as a substitute, met a pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time to decide the match, AFP reported. Croatia, who had produced more chances in the evening heat, were then denied an equaliser in the final seconds when Josko Gvardiol’s effort was ruled out for offside, according to AFP.
AFP reported that Croatia led early in the second half through Ivan Perisic. The winger put his side ahead in the 53rd minute, finishing under Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa as Croatia threatened to take control.
Portugal responded quickly, though Ronaldo first had a goal disallowed after controlling a long ball in an offside position, AFP reported. The equaliser came after a VAR review when Renato Veiga was held by Nikola Vlasic inside the penalty area, leading the referee to award a spot kick.
Ronaldo converted the penalty by sending his shot down the centre of the goal, AFP reported. The goal brought Portugal level and added a new mark to Ronaldo’s international career, with AFP noting it was his first in the knockout rounds of a World Cup.
Croatia continued to press after the equaliser, according to AFP. Mateo Kovacic forced Costa into a save with a low drive that the goalkeeper touched onto the post, and Petar Sucic later put the ball in the net only for the assistant referee to signal a clear offside.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez withdrew Ronaldo in the 81st minute, bringing on Ruben Neves, AFP reported. Croatia still looked dangerous late on, and Mario Pasalic nearly restored their lead with a header at the far post that bounced wide.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time, when Leao created space for Ramos to finish with his head, AFP reported. Croatia’s players were left frustrated after Gvardiol’s late goal was disallowed, while Portugal celebrated a comeback victory.
Portugal will face Spain in Dallas on Monday, according to AFP. Croatia’s exit came after a match in which AFP reported they had made more of the scoring opportunities but failed to turn that pressure into a place in the next round.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.