Toronto Stadium in Canada hosted a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between Portugal and Croatia, with Portugal securing a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner to book their place in the next round.
Portugal made the brighter start and almost took the lead as early as the fourth minute, but Bruno Fernandes' low drive was comfortably saved by Dominik Livaković. Croatia, somewhat surprisingly, sat deep for much of the first half and showed little attacking intent. Despite dominating possession, Portugal struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Rafael Leão's wayward effort in first-half stoppage time summing up a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Roberto Martínez's side.
Croatia emerged with a completely different approach after the break. They created their first real opportunity in the 48th minute, only for Diogo Costa to deny Mateo Kovačić with a fine save. Zlatko Dalić's tactical patience paid off moments later. In the 53rd minute, Josip Stanišić's cross found Ivan Perišić, who calmly finished to give Croatia a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, Nikola Vlašić thought he had doubled the advantage, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to have equalized in the 61st minute, but his finish was also disallowed for offside. Portugal's persistence eventually paid off when VAR awarded a penalty after Renato Veiga was fouled inside the area. Ronaldo stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the 68th minute to level the score.
Croatia continued to threaten, with Kovačić coming agonizingly close in the 75th minute. His first effort crashed against the post before Diogo Costa produced another excellent save to deny him moments later. Petar Sučić also found the net in the 80th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
A minute later, Roberto Martínez made a bold decision by substituting Ronaldo for the fresh-legged Rúben Neves. The Portugal captain left the pitch visibly frustrated after being withdrawn.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Portugal found the decisive breakthrough. Deep into stoppage time, a patient passing move ended with Rafael Leão delivering a pinpoint cross for Gonçalo Ramos, who powered home a superb header in the fourth minute of added time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
But Croatia were not done yet. In the dying seconds, substitute Joško Gvardiol found the back of the net, only for VAR to rule out the goal in the 90+13' for offside, sealing Portugal's dramatic victory.
Portugal's win sets up a blockbuster Round of 32 showdown against Spain in Dallas on 6th July.
