World Cup: Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to set up Spain clash

Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 at Toronto Stadium in Canada to progress from the Round of 32 to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal controlled possession and created the better scoring opportunities during the first half, while Croatia remained dangerous with their physical approach and well-worked passing moves. As the match unfolded in Toronto, both teams showed enough quality to believe they could claim victory.

As the opening period continued, Portugal's dominance in possession and control of territory forced Croatia deeper into their own half. Despite spending long spells defending, the Croatians looked threatening whenever they broke forward, producing dangerous counterattacks that demonstrated they remained firmly in the contest.

At halftime, Portugal had enjoyed the greater share of possession and fashioned the clearer chances, but Croatia's disciplined defending ensured the score remained level. The 2018 World Cup finalists had absorbed the pressure effectively and appeared prepared to continue the fight after the interval.

Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when veteran Ivan Perisic controlled the ball at the far post before firing it into the net to give his side the lead. The goal capped an impressive start to the second half by Croatia, who returned from the break determined to take command of the match.

Portugal answered soon afterward. After having one goal ruled out for offside, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded a penalty in the 68th minute and converted confidently. The strike was his first goal in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup and brought Portugal back on level terms.

With the game appearing destined for extra time, Portugal produced a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. In the 90+4th minute, Goncalo Ramos climbed above the Croatian defense to meet an accurate cross from Rafael Leao and headed the ball into the net to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Croatia believed it had found an equalizer shortly before the final whistle in the 90+13th minute. A ball played into the penalty area reached the far post, where Mario Pasalic flicked it back across goal for Josko Gvardiol to finish.

However, following a VAR review, officials ruled that Pasalic had been offside, and the goal was disallowed. Portugal celebrated the decision, while Croatia's players protested the call. The match was then briefly halted after fans threw bottles and other objects onto the field, delaying the restart. Following 19 minutes of stoppage time, Portugal held on to secure the victory.

Croatia's World Cup campaign came to an end with the defeat, while Portugal advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Spain.

Stabil.Az