Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to send Portugal into the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a gripping contest at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026. Ramos connected with a superb pass from Rafael Leao in the fourth minute of stoppage time, snuffing out a Croatia side that had created the majority of chances in sapping evening heat.
Dramatic finish and disallowed goal
In a dramatic ending, Croatia thought they had equalized in the dying seconds, but Josko Gvardiol's goal was chalked off for offside. The Croatians were left stunned by the decision, while Portugal's players celebrated their narrow escape.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his role in the victory, stroking home a penalty that canceled 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 stuns Portugal
Perisic had stunned the Portuguese by slotting the ball under the advancing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute. Within minutes, 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. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot, and Ronaldo stepped up to convert the penalty with ease, hitting the ball straight down the middle and pumping his fists with joy afterwards.
End-to-end action
In a pulsating game, Manchester City forward Mateo Kovacic's low shot was pushed onto a post by goalkeeper Costa's fingertips. Still Croatia pushed, and Peta Sucic had the ball in the net, but the assistant referee's flag was up for a clear offside.
Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 81st minute to allow Ruben Neves to come on. Croatia continued to create more chances than their opponents, and Mario Pasalic came so close to winning the game with a header at the far post, but it bounced just wide. When Ramos connected, the net bulged, and Portugal were through.
