The Portugal national team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Croatia national team and successfully advance to the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup.
In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match on the morning of Friday, 3 July 2026 GMT+7, the notable clash was between "Seleção das Quinas" Portugal and Croatia at BMO Field, Toronto, USA.
The first half was intense but ended 0-0. Then in the second half, at the 53rd minute, Croatia took the lead 1-0 when Josip Stanišić crossed from the right wing to the front of the goal, reaching Ivan Perišić, who struck a precise left-footed shot into the net.
At the 57th minute, Vlašić of Croatia scored but was ruled offside, and at the 62nd minute, Ronaldo scored for Portugal but that goal was also disallowed for offside after VAR review.
At the 68th minute, Portugal was awarded a penalty after Vaíka was pulled down by Nikola Vlašić inside the box. VAR confirmed the foul, and Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted the penalty to level the score at 1-1.
In the 80th minute, Croatia missed a chance to regain the lead when Sušić scored but was offside. Then in injury time at 90+4 minutes, Portugal took the lead 2-1 as Rafael Leão crossed from the left wing and substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed the ball into the net.
At the 90+13th minute, Josko Gvardiol of Croatia fired a goal, but VAR ruled that Pašalić was offside before the play.
The match ended with Portugal defeating Croatia 2-1, advancing to the Round of 16 to face Spain on 7 July 2026 GMT+7.