Ronaldo Ends World Cup Knockout Drought as Portugal Edge Croatia 2-1 in Dramatic Thriller

Portugal survived a dramatic late scare to defeat Croatia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream alive.

After a goalless first half dominated by Portugal, Croatia stunned their opponents in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić finished a well-worked move to put Zlatko Dalić's side ahead.

Portugal responded with relentless pressure. Ronaldo first saw a goal ruled out for offside before converting a penalty after a VAR review awarded Portugal a spot-kick. The goal marked the 41-year-old's first-ever strike in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

Coach Roberto Martínez later substituted Ronaldo in the 81st minute, a bold decision that paid off when substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home a dramatic winner in the 94th minute.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net deep into stoppage time. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up, sealing Portugal's place in the Round of 16.

Following the match, Ronaldo admitted Portugal struggled after conceding but believed his team deserved the victory. The Portuguese captain also shared an emotional embrace with long-time friend and former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić, whose World Cup career may have come to an end.

Portugal will now take on Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown, while Croatia bow out after a spirited performance.

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