Portugal secured a spot in the World Cup last 16 after defeating Croatia in a match marked by late drama and a controversial disallowed goal. The game, held at Toronto Stadium, saw Portugal come from behind to achieve a 2-1 victory, setting up a clash with Spain in the next round.
The first half was largely controlled by Portugal, who created several opportunities. Early in the game, Rafael Leão set up Bruno Fernandes, whose shots were saved by Dominik Livaković and blocked by the defence. Pedro Neto was a persistent threat, delivering numerous crosses that narrowly missed connecting with teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernandes.
Second-half turnaround and penalty drama
The mood of the match shifted significantly in the second half. Croatia took the lead eight minutes into the second period when Ivan Perišić scored after receiving a cross from Josep Stanišić. Following this goal, Croatia continued to press, with Petar Sučić and Igor Matanović having efforts ruled out for offside.
Amidst Croatia’s surge, Leão struck the crossbar with a powerful shot from outside the box, and Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside. A turning point arrived when a penalty was awarded to Portugal after a VAR review, with Vlašić deemed to have fouled Leão. Ronaldo converted the penalty, levelling the score.
After Ronaldo’s equaliser, Croatia again appeared dominant, with Mateo Kovačić and Matanović forcing saves from Diogo Costa. Sučić had another goal disallowed for offside. Ronaldo was later substituted for Rúben Neves, a decision that appeared to change the dynamic of the game, allowing Portugal to regain control.
Late winner and VAR controversy
In added time, Gonçalo Ramos scored the winning goal for Portugal, heading in a cross from Leão. This goal put Portugal ahead, but the drama was far from over. Croatia believed they had found an equaliser when Joško Gvardiol scored in the 113th minute, which would have sent the game into extra time.
However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. The decision was made after it was determined that Igor Matanović touched Ivan Perišić’s cross, making Mario Pasalic, the assister, offside, despite the ball deflecting off Portugal’s Renato Veiga. This ruling, confirmed by on-pitch official Espen Eskaas following a recommendation from Premier League referee Jarred Gillet, secured Portugal’s victory.
For Portugal, the win keeps their World Cup aspirations alive. For Croatia, the match likely marked the final World Cup appearance for their captain, Luka Modrić, who is 40 years old. Portugal will now prepare to face Spain in the next round, a rematch of the 2025 Nations League final.
The performance of Portugal’s midfield, including players like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting they have struggled to dictate play. The question of whether Gonçalo Ramos should start ahead of Ronaldo in future matches is also being considered by manager Roberto Martinez, despite Ronaldo’s successful penalty conversion.
Gonçalo Ramos expressed his enjoyment for high-stakes games, stating, “It’s difficult because it’s a game if you don’t win, you go home. But for me, especially, I love those types of moments, I love those types of games, I want to play every game like that, I want to be in the big moment.”
Read Also
Source: skysports.com
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”