Portugal edges Croatia 2-1 in World Cup match, Ronaldo shines despite late VAR drama

Portugal narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1 on July 2, 2026, in a thrilling World Cup knockout stage match held in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role, scoring a penalty to equalize before Gonçalo Ramos secured the victory with a late header. This match marked the end of Luka Modrić's World Cup journey.

Ronaldo's Impact on Portugal's Victory

Ronaldo's journey in this World Cup has been remarkable, especially after he scored his first knockout stage goal from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. His leadership on the field, even while watching from the bench during the decisive moments, showcased his importance to the team.

After the match, Ronaldo stated, "First half we dominated the game. In the second half after the goal we get a little bit panic, but this is football." His goal helped to stabilize Portugal's performance, allowing them to push forward and ultimately win the match.

Controversial VAR Decision in Final Moments

The match ended in controversy when Croatia believed they had equalized in the dying moments. A goal by Mario Pasalic was disallowed due to an offside call after VAR reviewed the play. The decision stemmed from a sensor in the ball indicating that Igor Matanovic had touched it, leading to the offside ruling.

Despite protests from Croatian players and fans, FIFA confirmed the VAR decision was correct. Croatia's midfielder Petar Sucic expressed confusion, stating, "He said that he has a sensor in the ball and he decided like that. But I don't know what is this. It's really difficult to explain."

Looking Ahead: Portugal's Next Challenge

With this victory, Portugal advances to face Spain in the next round. The match will be crucial for both teams, as they aim to continue their quest for the World Cup title. Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, emphasized the role of technology in the match, stating, "There was no bad decision, no unlucky call. Today was clear, and the technology helped."

As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see if Portugal can maintain their momentum and if Ronaldo can continue to inspire his team. Croatia, on the other hand, will reflect on what could have been, as they exit the tournament earlier than expected.