World Cup 2026 | Portugal 2 - 1 Croatia

Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner after Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first goal in a World Cup knockout 

These goals meant Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia and reach the last 16.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Toronto Stadium

Second-half substitute Ramos climbed above two Croatia defenders to head home a superb cross from Rafael Leao just as an absorbing contest appeared destined for extra time.

Josko Gvardiol believed he had rescued Croatia when he bundled the ball home in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but the video assistant referee intervened and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Replays showed Igor Matanovic had made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position before Gvardiol applied the finish.

A closer analysis of what happened

Portugal controlled much of the first half, but Croatia edged a breathless second period.

Ivan Perisic fired into the corner eight minutes after the restart after Ruben Dias could only half-clear a cross to the back post.

Half-time substitute Matanovic thought he had doubled Croatia's lead two minutes later with a near-post finish, only for the offside flag to be raised against team-mate Nikola Vlasic.

A frantic spell followed as Leao curled an effort against the crossbar before Ronaldo saw a deft chipped finish ruled out for a marginal offside.

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Just as it seemed Ronaldo's evening was about to end, he levelled from the penalty spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul on Renato Veiga from a corner.

Following the hydration break, Mateo Kovacic forced Diogo Costa into two fine saves in quick succession before Matanovic was denied in a one-on-one.

Petar Sucic then raced on to an excellent through ball from Kovacic and finished calmly past Costa, but the offside flag was raised once more.

Ronaldo was visibly frustrated when he was substituted in the 81st minute, before Veiga and Mario Pasalic both squandered clear headed chances at opposite ends.

Extra time looked the most likely outcome before Ramos sparked jubilant scenes with his late winner.

Portugal will face European champions Spain in the last 16 at Dallas Stadium.