TORONTO — In a thrilling matchup, Gonçalo Ramos scored a pivotal header from a pass by Rafael Leão during stoppage time, leading Cristiano Ronaldo to observe from the bench as Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, marking the end of Luka Modrić‘s fifth World Cup attempt.
Ronaldo had initially brought Portugal back into the game with a penalty kick in the 68th minute, marking his first goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup. However, it was Ramos’ late goal that clinched the win, resulting in Portugal overcoming a deficit for only the second time in their World Cup history.
The match concluded with controversy when Croatia seemed to have equalized in the dying moments. However, Mario Pasalic was adjudged offside after a review by VAR, leading to frustration among Croatian fans, who reacted with protests and boos directed at Ronaldo each time he touched the ball.
FIFA later clarified that a sensor embedded in the ball detected a slight touch from Croatia’s Igor Matanovic before it reached Pasalic, placing him in an offside position.
“The referee said he didn’t see our player touch the ball,” remarked Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic. “He referenced the sensor in the ball for his decision. It’s difficult to understand, and we hope there’s an explanation since I believe Matanovic didn’t make contact.”
“For me, it looked like a legitimate goal, but who knows? We just need more clarity. Today, it seems luck was on their side.”
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, asserted the validity of the decision, stating, “The message is clear: The balls are now embedded with technology that provides precise information. That’s why VAR intervened. There was no subjective call involved — the ball’s chip confirmed it. There was no erroneous decision.” He acknowledged that technology played a crucial role in supporting the officials’ decision.
This incident marked the 10th goal ruled out by VAR during the 2026 World Cup, although Croatia’s coach, Zlatko Dalic, chose not to dwell on officiating issues contributing to his team’s loss. He expressed his frustration but acknowledged, “The referee’s performance left much to be desired. However, that’s no excuse for our defeat.”
Croatia initially took the lead in the 53rd minute with a goal from Ivan Perisic, who scored from a cross delivered by Josip Stanisic.
Portugal is set to face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday.
“We controlled the game in the first half. In the second half, we panicked a bit after conceding the goal, but that’s how football goes,” Ronaldo reflected. “After the penalty, we improved. We generated several chances and, in the end, we deserved the win.”
Modrić has previously guided Croatia to second- and third-place finishes in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but his journey at this year’s tournament concluded in the round of 32.
Notably, this match marked the first World Cup encounter to feature two outfield players aged 40 or older, with Modrić and Ronaldo both participating. Following the game, the two former Real Madrid teammates embraced at midfield.
“I’ve shared many years on the pitch with Luka,” Ronaldo said. “We’re nearly the same age, and he is undeniably a football legend, still holding that status.”
This report incorporates information from ESPN Global Research and The Associated Press.