World Cup 2026: Ramos stoppage-time winner sends Portugal past Croatia into last 16

World Cup 2026: Ramos stoppage-time winner sends Portugal past Croatia into last 16 Portugal booked their place in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 after a 2-1 win over Luka Modric's Croatia in Toronto, decided by a stoppage-time goal from Gonçalo Ramos. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will face Spain on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal survived a tense and chaotic knockout battle against Luka Modric’s Croatia in Toronto, sealing a 2-1 win and qualification for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Gonçalo Ramos. The match lived up to its billing as a heavyweight European duel, with both sides locked in a tight midfield battle for long stretches. Portugal enjoyed the ball and territory in the first half but struggled to break through Croatia’s disciplined defensive structure, while the Vatreni remained dangerous on the counter and from set pieces. At the break, the game remained goalless despite flashes from Bruno Fernandes and a strong showing from Luka Modrić’s midfield control. Stoppage-time winner The second half exploded into life. Croatia struck first through Ivan Perisic, capitalising on a rare lapse in the Portuguese defence, before VAR drama and disallowed goals on both sides added to the tension. Ronaldo then levelled the match from the penalty spot, restoring parity in a frantic spell where momentum swung constantly, including a Kovacic shot off the post and multiple offside calls against Croatia. Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Portugal found the decisive breakthrough deep into stoppage time. A cross from Rafael Leão was met by Gonçalo Ramos, who powered a header past Dominik Livakovic to send Portugal into the last 16 in dramatic fashion, ending a breathless encounter between two sides separated only by the finest margins. VAR then denied Croatia's late equaliser. (FRANCE 24 with AFP)