FIFA 2026: Goncalo Ramos' Stoppage Time Stunner Turn Tide For Portugal In Round of 32

 

Portugal came out victorious in a hard-fought match against Croatia, winning 2-1 in Toronto, Canada to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. 

Both sides were meeting for the first time in the tournament. Crostia's elimination ended their bid for a second final appearance after their first at the 2018 edition. They lost in a comeback to Portugal and had many of their opportunities reviewed by the VAR.

After a goalless first half smeared with great misses, Croatia took the lead from Ivan Perisic's strike. They built up pressure on the right flank, and while Perisic was left unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, Josip Stanisic's cross set him up for a strike that beat Diego Coasta to the post. 

Portugal equalised from a penalty drawn by Rafael Leao following a corner. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the spot-kick and leveled the scoreline. In injury time, Goncalo Ramos' header settled the victory for Portugal. 

Portugal's search for the first World Cup continued with the victory. They finished fourth at the 2006 edition and were eliminated by Morocco at the 2022 edition. They will face Congo in the Round of 16. 

Overview 

What an exhausting and exhilarating it was for both Portugal and Croatia, particularly for Ronaldo and Modric, who might be making their last FIFA World Cup appearances. However, the game swung the other way as Croatia were not mindful of keeping online. 

Portugal controlled most of the first half, and the side's attacking approach was greatly influenced by Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo. Good goalkeeping from Dominik Livakovic kept Croatia safe until Perisic struck. Croatia were more offensive in the second half, putting Portugal on the back foot. Nevertheless, the Portuguese were relentless in scoring. Meanwhile, drifting offside was Croatia's misfortune, having two goals ruled out by the VAR. 

Chances and Defenses 

Portugal had a handful of chances in the first half, the closest of which was Fernandes near miss of Mendes' cross from inside the penalty. Perisic also advanced too close to slamming in a goal before his opener, but Diego Costa deflected it out of touch. However, Portugal later played the defense loose for him to strike unmarked inside the six-yard box. 

Midway through the second half, Mateo Kovacic's attempt narrowly missed the goal as Costa dived to deflect it. Fafael Leao's 20-yard attempt was close to getting a goal for Portugal, but clipped the top frame.