Portugal secures knockout stage spot
Portugal has advanced to the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic victory over Croatia in Toronto. The match saw a late winning goal from Gonçalo Ramos and multiple VAR interventions, culminating in a wild finish that decided the contest.
The atmosphere in the stadium was lively throughout the evening, especially after a warm day in Toronto. Portugal dominated much of the first half, creating several opportunities to take the lead. Early in the game, Rafael Leão delivered a cross to Bruno Fernandes, whose two shots were saved by Dominik Livaković and blocked by the defence.
Pedro Neto was a consistent threat for Portugal in the initial period, frequently sending crosses into the box. Despite his efforts, which included Livaković missing a ball that eluded Cristiano Ronaldo, and another cross that both Ronaldo and Fernandes narrowly missed, Portugal could not convert their chances.
Croatia, meanwhile, adopted a more defensive approach in the first half, successfully repelling Portugal‘s attacks. Their strategy focused on isolating Martin Baturina against João Cancelo and delivering balls into the box for Ante Budimir, though this was largely contained by Rúben Dias.
Second-half drama unfolds
The second half saw a shift in momentum after Croatia made a substitution, bringing on Igor Matanović for Budimir. Croatia quickly took the lead eight minutes into the half when Josep Stanišić delivered a cross from the right, which Ivan Perišić controlled and drove past Diogo Costa.
Croatia then pressed their advantage, with Petar Sučić setting up Matanović for a shot that was ruled offside. Sučić later tested Costa with a strong shot from the left side. Amidst Croatia‘s surge, Leão struck the crossbar from a distance, and Ronaldo had a goal disallowed for offside.
A pivotal moment occurred when Livaković inadvertently conceded a corner after a backpass. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Portugal due to Nikola Vlašić having an arm around Leão. Ronaldo successfully converted the penalty, levelling the score and igniting celebrations among the crowd, particularly the Portuguese community in Toronto.
This penalty marked Ronaldo‘s first ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, making him the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockouts. He surpassed the record previously held by Pepe. Despite the equaliser, Croatia continued to pose a threat, with Mateo Kovačić having two long-range efforts saved and Matanović forcing another save. Sučić also had a second goal ruled out for offside.
Late winner and VAR decisions
Ronaldo was later substituted for Rúben Neves, a decision that appeared to be a tactical move by manager Roberto Martínez. This change proved effective, as Portugal began to control possession and close down spaces. The play was frequently directed towards Leão, who eventually delivered a crucial cross.
Gonçalo Ramos, who had come on as a substitute, headed home Leão‘s cross in stoppage time, securing the winning goal for Portugal and sending them into the last 16. The celebrations for this goal were so extensive that the referee added additional minutes to stoppage time.
In the final moments of the match, Croatia believed they had found an equaliser, but Joško Gvardiol‘s goal was disallowed for offside after another VAR review, the fourth such decision in the game. This decision led to protests from Croatia‘s supporters, but the outcome remained unchanged.
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Source: theguardian.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
