Portugal have advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup after defeating Croatia 2–1 in a dramatic match in Toronto.
The match, played at Toronto Stadium in Canada, saw Croatia take the lead in the second half before Portugal mounted a late comeback to secure their place in the knockout stage.
After a balanced first half with limited clear chances for either side, Croatia opened the scoring through Ivan Perisic, who finished from inside the penalty area after a quick attacking move.
Croatia later thought they had doubled their lead through Igor Matanovic, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo also had a goal disallowed after being judged offside.
Portugal were handed a major opportunity in the 65th minute when Renato Veiga was brought down inside the penalty area by Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Portugal a penalty, which Ronaldo converted to level the score.
Croatia continued to threaten after the equaliser, forcing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa into several important saves. Mateo Kovacic and Matanovic both tested the goalkeeper as Croatia searched for a second goal.
Croatia had another goal ruled out for offside when Petar Sucic found the net from close range, marking the third Croatian goal of the match to be disallowed.
With eight minutes of normal time remaining, Ronaldo was substituted and replaced by Ruben Neves in a major tactical decision by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez.
The decisive moment came in added time, when Rafael Leao delivered a cross into the box and substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home Portugal’s winning goal.
With the victory, Portugal move into the Round of 16, where they are set to face Spain.
