Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal come from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32, securing a Round of 16 match against Spain.
Josko Gvardiol appeared to score for Croatia in the 113th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Officials determined that Igor Matanović had touched Ivan Perišić’s cross, placing Mario Pašalić in an offside position. Referee Espen Eskås confirmed the decision after consulting the pitchside monitor on the advice of VAR official Jarred Gillett.
The decision concluded a match in which Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perišić in the second half.
Portugal equalized when Ronaldo converted a penalty, marking his first goal in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.
The 41-year-old, who had considered retirement if Portugal lost, was substituted by head coach Roberto Martínez while the match remained level.
Portugal secured victory in stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos scored from Rafael Leão’s cross, confirming their place in the Round of 16.
While Ronaldo celebrated, the defeat may mark the end of Croatia captain Luka Modrić’s World Cup career, as the 40-year-old is widely expected to retire from international competition.
Portugal will now face Spain in a mouth-watering Round of 16 showdown—a rematch of the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, which Portugal won.
