Portugal Edge Out Croatia 2-1 to Become 12th Team Into World Cup Last 16
Croatia exit the competition, their World Cup campaign effectively dead-ended in Toronto by Ronaldo and team mates.
Portugal scored in stoppage time on Thursday to defeat Croatia 2-1 and become the 12th team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16—the outcome of a dramatic encounter at Toronto Stadium.
Portugal dominated possession during the opening half but were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Croatian defence.
Bruno Fernandes forced two early saves from Dominik Livaković, while Renato Veiga, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leão all went close before the interval, which ended goalless.
Croatia took the lead eight minutes after the break when Ivan Perišić met Josip Stanišić’s cross with a first-time finish beyond Diogo Costa. Portugal responded quickly and thought they had equalised through Ronaldo, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 68th minute after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised referee Espen Eskås to review a challenge by Nikola Vlašić on Renato Veiga inside the penalty area. Ronaldo converted the resulting penalty to level the score.
The match remained evenly poised as both teams searched for a winner. Mateo Kovačić struck the post for Croatia before Costa produced an important save, while Portugal continued to press in the closing stages.
Gonçalo Ramos settled the contest in the third minute of added time, turning home from close range to give Portugal the lead. Croatia appeared to have forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net later in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16 as the tournament’s 12th qualified team, where Roberto Martínez’s side will face Spain. Croatia exit the competition, their World Cup campaign effectively dead-ended in Toronto by Ronaldo and team mates.
