Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo hailed former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric as a "football legend" after Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday in Toronto, Canada. Speaking to Fox Sports after the match, Ronaldo reflected on sharing the pitch once again with the Croatian midfielder, with whom he enjoyed several successful seasons at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo Praises Modric's Quality
"I played with Luka for many years. We're almost the same age. He's a football legend; he's still a football legend because he keeps playing so well and with such great quality. It's incredible," Ronaldo told Fox Sports. He also revealed the message he shared with Modric after the final whistle: "I told him, 'Congratulations on everything. I loved seeing you again, and I wish you the best for the next years of your career.' It was great to play against him again."
Portugal's Dramatic Comeback
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16. Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on.
All-Iberian Clash Ahead
The victory sets up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career, as Croatia was eliminated from the tournament. Ronaldo's tribute highlighted the mutual respect between the two veterans who have dominated European football for over a decade.
