Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto on July 2, 2026, securing a place in the Round of 16 and ending Luka Modric's World Cup career. The win sets up an Iberian derby against Spain.
Portugal Dominates Early but Trails at Half
Portugal controlled possession from the start, with Bruno Fernandes forcing a save from Dominik Livakovic in the fourth minute. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Renato Veiga all threatened, but Croatia's disciplined defense held firm. Rafael Leão fired over the crossbar in stoppage time, leaving the match 0-0 at halftime.
Perisic Breaks Record, Croatia Takes Lead
In the second half, Croatia struck first. Ivan Perisic arrived unmarked at the far post to convert a cross past Diogo Costa, becoming Croatia's all-time leading World Cup scorer, surpassing Davor Suker. Croatia pushed for a second goal, with Diogo Costa denying Petar Sucic and another effort ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo Penalty Levels the Score
Portugal responded strongly. Rafael Leão hit the crossbar from distance, and a Ronaldo goal was disallowed for offside. In the 60th minute, coach Roberto Martinez made four substitutions, including Goncalo Ramos. The impact was immediate: Renato Veiga was fouled by Nikola Vlasic at a corner, and after a VAR review, Ronaldo converted the penalty in the 67th minute to make it 1-1.
Ramos Header Seals Victory in Stoppage Time
Ronaldo was replaced by Ruben Neves in the 80th minute. Croatia came close again, with Mateo Kovacic hitting the post and Sucic having another effort ruled out for offside. With penalties looming, Portugal won it in the 94th minute. Leão's cross found Ramos, who powered a header home. Deep into added time, Josko Gvardiol thought he had equalized, but a lengthy VAR check found Igor Matanovic offside in the build-up, disallowing the goal.
Historic Win Sets Up Spain Clash
The 2-1 comeback keeps Portugal unbeaten against Croatia in competitive matches and sends them into a Round of 16 clash with Spain. For Luka Modric, the match marked the end of his World Cup career. According to the match report, Portugal's sustained offensive waves and Martinez's tactical changes were key to the victory.
