World Cup 2026: Gonçalo Ramos' 94th-minute goal gives Portugal 2-1 win after Croatia's late tying goal is overturned
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News Blend 360
Fri, July 3, 2026 at 11:10 AM EDT
With Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch, Gonçalo Ramos propelled Portugal to the World Cup Round of 16.
Ramos' 94th-minute header from a cross by Rafael Leáo secured Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday night. Portugal is set to face Spain for a quarterfinal spot on Monday (3 p.m. ET, Fox) following Spain's win over Austria.
Croatia equalized with Joško Gvardiol's goal in the 103rd minute. However, Mario Pašalić was offside when the ball slightly touched Igor Matanović's head. Pašalić then passed to Gvardiol after it barely glanced off Matanović before hitting Portugal's Renato Veiga.
The final moments of the game were briefly halted due to objects being thrown onto the field by fans.
VAR was used not only to confirm Matanović's touch on the ball but also because all World Cup game balls are equipped with a sensor to detect touches.
Ramos was one of four substitutes brought on by coach Roberto Martinez an hour into the match. Croatia, having played defensively in the first half, attacked Portugal at the start of the second half, leading to Ivan Perišić's goal to take the lead.
Ronaldo leveled the score in the 68th minute after Renato Veiga earned a penalty when tackled by Marin Pongračić in the box during a corner. The foul wasn't initially called, but video review confirmed it was a penalty, and Ronaldo took the kick without question.
This was Ronaldo's first goal in the knockout stages in his sixth World Cup appearance and his 11th in the tournament. By starting Thursday night's game, he became the oldest player to compete in the World Cup's knockout rounds.
Thirteen minutes after scoring, Ronaldo, 41, was substituted for the first time in the tournament. Ramos had joined as a second striker alongside Ronaldo after Croatia took the lead. Despite Portugal equalizing, Croatia dominated the midfield, with players like Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes being substituted at the hour mark.
It's rare for a substitute to be substituted in soccer. Ronaldo made way for Ruben Neves as Portugal added a third midfielder.
Croatia won't reach a third consecutive semifinal
The match likely marked the last major international appearance for two soccer legends. While Ronaldo will play against Spain soon, Croatian captain Luka Modrić likely played his final World Cup game.
Modrić, 40, led Croatia to consecutive World Cup semifinals before the 2026 World Cup. In 2018, Croatia defeated England in the semifinals to reach the final, losing to France. In 2022, Croatia lost to Argentina in the semis but beat Morocco for third place.
A third straight semifinal appearance was a tall order. Croatia was placed in Group L with England, featuring many familiar faces from previous runs. Alongside Modrić, players like Perisić, Mateo Kovacić, Ante Budimir, and others are well into their 30s.
Had the run not ended against Portugal, Croatia would have been a significant underdog against Spain.
Portugal now assumes that role, seeking more goals from open play against teams other than Uzbekistan.
Aside from Ronaldo's penalty, Ramos' winner was just Portugal's second goal in three matches against Cape Verde, Colombia, and Croatia. Despite having a formidable midfield, the team has struggled in front of goal, raising questions about focusing on a striker in his fifth decade.
Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan but was otherwise ineffective in the group stage. He displayed excellent skill and finishing in the second half Thursday night, but he was offside before scoring.
Portugal's attack improved with Leáo starting for the first time in the tournament. The AC Milan winger added much-needed width and speed, earning a start against Spain. Ronaldo will remain the focal point, needing to perform as he did against Uzbekistan for Portugal to reach the quarterfinals.
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