Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a night of contrasts in the round of 32 duel between Portugal and Croatia. The Portuguese captain scored his first goal in a direct elimination phase of the World Cup, but minutes before the VAR had disallowed a great goal for offside.
Portugal started at a disadvantage, but found the tie in the 68th minute, when Cristiano converted from the penalty spot and broke a streak that had accompanied him since his World Cup debut in 2006: he had never scored in a World Cup qualifier.
With that goal, the 41-year-old forward reached 11 goals in World Cups and debuted his tally in direct elimination matches.
The VAR denied him a double
The night could have been even more special for the Portuguese. After a control inside the area and a high-quality definition, Cristiano celebrated for the first time in the game, but the VAR review invalidated the action due to a millimeter advanced position.
Cristiano was substituted in the 81st minute and Portugal had to close the game without their captain on the field.
In the final stretch, Croatia thought they had tied, but the VAR annulled the goal for offside and maintained the Portuguese advantage. That decision ended up ensuring Portugal’s 2-1 victory and qualification to the round of 16.
Now, Portugal will face Spain in one of the most attractive matches of the next round of the 2026 World Cup.
The match was decided at 90+5
Portugal beat Croatia at minute 90+5 with a goal from Goncalo Ramos after a perfect assist from Rafael Leao.
Beyond the result, Cristiano Ronaldo has already broken one of the few statistical barriers he had left in the World Cup and continues to be Portugal’s main offensive reference.
With this result, the Portuguese team advances to the round of 16 to face Spain, who beat Austria 3 to 0 today.