Ronaldo, Ramos score, Croatia's stoppage time goal denied by VAR as Portugal reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 to face Spain

41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the first time in a FIFA World Cup knockout game as Portugal beat Croatia in the Round of 32 by 2-1 in Toronto. While substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the stoppage-time winner, Croatia's late goal was denied by VAR as Mario Pasalic was called offside. Croatia’s heartbreaking loss ended Luka Modric’s World Cup career. 

After a goalless first half, Croatia got the lead in the 53rd minute with Ivan Perisic scoring off a cross from Josip Sanisic. 15 minutes later, Ronaldo got a chance to score via a penalty. Nikola Vlasic became Croatia's culprit with a handball inside the box. Ronaldo made no mistake and scored after staying goalless in World Cup knockout games since 2006 (eight games).

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Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute for Ruben Neves. Earlier, in the 63rd minute, he had made a few substitutes in the 62nd and 63rd minute. Bernardo Silva, Francisco Conceicao, Nelson Semedo and Ramos replaced Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo respectively.

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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez's tactics worked as Ramos' header found the back of the net off Rafael Leao's cross. After wild goal celebrations in the 94th minute, a pitch invader's act led to more minutes' addition to stoppage time.

The disallowed goal and VAR controversy

Portugal could not hang on to the possession. Ivan Perisic's cross found Mario Pasalic who assisted the equaliser. While Croatia players celebrated, believing that the game will go into the extra time, the referee went for the video review. The snicko showed that Mario Pasalic was found offside due to Igor Matanovic's accidental touch and Josko Gvardiol's goal was disallowed. The Croatia players confronted the referee but the decision wasn’t changed. Croatia made desperate attempts to equalise but Portugal didn’t repeat their mistake.  

Blockbuster match: Portugal vs Spain 

Modric’s World Cup dream ended but Ronaldo’s stayed alive. In the battle between two Ballon d’Or winners, Ronaldo’s Portugal will now face their toughest challenge of the tournament. They will face Spain in the pre-quarterfinal on July 6 at Dallas Stadium, Arlington. Spain beat Austria 3-0 to reach the Round of 16. They are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.