Cristiano Ronaldo reached yet another remarkable milestone while Goncalo Ramos delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Portugal rallied to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Toronto Stadium on Thursday, booking a blockbuster last-16 showdown with Spain.
Late Drama and VAR Controversy
In one of the tournament’s most gripping encounters, Portugal survived an agonizing finale after Croatia’s apparent equalizer deep into stoppage time was overturned following a VAR review for offside, triggering emotional celebrations among Portuguese supporters and heartbreak for the Croatian faithful.
Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic calmly finished after an incisive move initiated by Josip Stanisic. The goal shifted momentum before Portugal mounted a spirited comeback.
Ronaldo Makes History
Ronaldo, relentlessly jeered by Croatian fans throughout the evening, responded with characteristic composure in the 68th minute, converting a penalty after Renato Veiga was brought down inside the area. The strike made the 41-year-old the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match and marked his first-ever goal in the competition’s elimination stage.
With extra time looming, substitute Goncalo Ramos soared above Croatia’s defence to head home the decisive goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, igniting jubilant scenes inside the stadium. Croatia believed they had forced extra time moments later, but VAR ruled the goal offside after determining the ball had deflected off Igor Matanovic before reaching Josko Gvardiol.
Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota
The emotional evening also carried special significance for Portugal, who honoured the memory of late teammate Diogo Jota on the eve of the first anniversary of his tragic death. Following the final whistle, Ronaldo donned Jota’s No. 21 jersey in an emotional tribute.
Portugal now advance to face Iberian rivals Spain in Dallas, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake.
Switzerland Advance with Convincing Victory over Algeria
Switzerland produced a polished and disciplined performance to defeat Algeria 2-0, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 and keeping their hopes of a memorable tournament run firmly intact.
The Swiss made an ideal start at BC Place, opening the scoring through Breel Embolo after an excellent move orchestrated by emerging talent Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old showcased his pace and vision by surging down the left flank before delivering a perfectly weighted low cross for Embolo to convert from close range. Manzambi continued his impressive World Cup campaign with his second assist of the tournament, adding to an already remarkable return of three goals in four appearances to cement his growing influence in Switzerland’s attack.
Switzerland doubled their advantage moments after halftime when Dan Ndoye reacted quickest to a loose ball outside the penalty area before calmly slotting his finish beyond Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane. From there, Murat Yakin’s side controlled possession with confidence, limiting Algeria to few meaningful opportunities while preserving a deserved clean sheet through an organized defensive display. The victory sends Switzerland into the Round of 16, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Spain Shine at Both Ends to Eliminate Austria
Spain delivered another statement performance at the FIFA World Cup, defeating Austria 3-0 to book their place in the Round of 16 with an impressive blend of attacking flair and defensive discipline. Mikel Oyarzabal starred with a superb brace, while Pedro Porro added the second goal as Spain remained unbeaten and, remarkably, have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
After dominating possession from the opening whistle, Spain finally broke the deadlock when Marc Cucurella’s pinpoint cross found Oyarzabal, who guided a composed finish into the bottom corner. Austria survived further pressure before halftime thanks to several outstanding saves by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Porro doubled Spain’s advantage with a well-taken header in the 66th minute before Oyarzabal sealed the victory late on, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score his fourth goal of the tournament. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looked back to his dazzling best, repeatedly troubling Austria’s defence as Spain controlled every aspect of the contest. Spain will now face Portugal in Dallas for a place in the quarter-finals.
