Portugal Edge Croatia to Reach World Cup Last 16 After Late Drama

Ronaldo Scores Historic Knockout Goal as VAR Denies Croatia an Equaliser

Portugal booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Croatia, surviving a tense finish to set up a highly anticipated clash with Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with his first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup, marking another milestone in his illustrious international career. Portugal later restored their lead through Gonçalo Ramos, whose late goal proved decisive.

Croatia pushed hard for a dramatic comeback in the closing moments and appeared to have found a last-gasp equaliser. However, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled the goal out for offside, preserving Portugal's narrow advantage.

The victory sends Portugal into the Round of 16, where they will face Spain in one of the tournament's most eagerly anticipated knockout matches. The encounter promises a showdown between two European football powers with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

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