Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey continues after Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at BMO Field, Toro
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey continues after Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at BMO Field, Toronto — a result that also brought the international curtain down on Luka Modric’s storied career.
Portugal dominated a goalless first half without carving out clear openings, with Bruno Fernandes twice denied inside the opening minutes and Ronaldo unable to convert a swerving Joao Cancelo cross past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The Portuguese talisman also saw a stunning solo effort ruled out by VAR for moving fractionally early at the restart.
Croatia broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 53rd minute, Ivan Perisic lashing a low finish across goal to send the Toronto crowd into stunned silence.
Portugal responded within 15 minutes, however, as Nikola Vlasic hauled down Renato Veiga inside the box at a corner, prompting a VAR review and a penalty award.
Ronaldo stepped up and calmly slotted down the middle for the first World Cup knockout goal of his career, levelling the score at 1-1 in the 68th minute.
With the game delicately poised, both sides created further chances. Mateo Kovacic twice went close for Croatia, rattling the post before seeing a follow-up effort tipped over, while Veiga headed wide from another Portuguese corner.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute to a rousing ovation, replaced by Ruben Neves, and it was another of Roberto Martinez’s changes who proved decisive.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home Rafael Leão’s cross and complete the turnaround in the fourth minute of added time.
Croatia were not finished, however, and thought they had snatched a leveller through Josko Gvardiol moments later, only for the goal to be ruled out after replays showed the ball had come off an offside Petar Musa in the build-up.
The result ends Croatia’s tournament and, with it, Modric’s international career, while Portugal advance to face Spain in the round of 16.
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