TORONTO: Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty before substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed a 2-1 victory over Croatia as Portugal advanced in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Toronto Stadium on Friday.
On a cooler evening in front of a 43,036 crowd, the game came to life in the second half before ending in a tense finish as Portugal advanced on the back of a superb goal from a substitute, Gonçalo Ramos.
The Seleção das Quinas made a dominant start, attempting eight times in the first 15 minutes. However, Luka Modric’s side defended solidly to deny Roberto Martinez’s men an early breakthrough.
At the halfway mark, neither team had scored a goal.
It was after the break that Croatia came out all cylinders firing, pushing Portugal on the back foot. As a result, the Checkereds netted their first goal of the evening. Ivan Perisic rifled a shot into the corner past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 53rd minute to take the lead for his side.
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Croatia could have doubled the score after two minutes, but substitute Matanovic’s goal was later ruled out due to offside.
Soon after, Rafael Leão’s curling strike hit the crossbar before Ronaldo’s excellent finish was deemed offside by the barest of margins.
Eventually, Ronald scored from the spot after the VAR declared a foul on Renato Veiga at a corner.
Croatia responded well; after the hydration break, Mateo Kovacic forced Diogo Costa into two quick saves, and Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one.
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Petar Sucic then ran onto a superb Kovacic through ball and scored past Costa, but the offside flag was raised again.
The pivotal moment of the game came when Ronaldo was visibly upset after being substituted in the 81st minute, and both Veiga and Mario Pasalic missed clear headed chances at either end.
Extra time seemed the fairest way to resolve the match before Ramos ignited wild celebrations.
Portugal will now face European champions Spain at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, 6 July.
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