TORONTO: Portugal needed a last-gasp header from Gonçalo Ramos and a fortunate offside call to edge past Croatia 2-1 in a chaotic round-of-32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Substitute Ramos rose above the defense to power home Rafael Leão’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sending Portugal into the round of 16 against Spain.
But the drama was not finished. Croatia thought it had snatched an equalizer in the 13th minute of injury time when Rúben Neves deflected the ball into his own net. The referee overturned the goal after a video review ruled the play offside, allowing Portugal to hold on for the victory.
Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute, when Ivan Perišić lashed a low shot across goal and into the net to break a scoreless stalemate.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo leveled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Nikola Vlašić fouled Renato Veiga inside the area. It was Ronaldo’s 129th international goal.
Manager Roberto Martínez substituted Ronaldo in the 81st minute, a move that paid off when Ramos, another substitute, delivered the decisive header.
Portugal dominated possession in a goalless first half but struggled to create clear chances. The team will now face Spain in the next round after surviving a frantic finish.
