Portugal book quarter-final spot with dramatic late victory over Croatia

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match in Toronto. Croatia broke the deadlock early in the second half when Ivan Perišić finished at the far post after a move involving Nikola Vlašić and Josip Stanišić. The goal rewarded Croatia after Portugal had created several first-half chances but failed to convert them. Portugal pushed for an equaliser and were initially denied when Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside. The breakthrough eventually came after a VAR review resulted in a penalty being awarded for a foul on Renato Veiga during a corner. Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot to level the match with his third goal of the tournament and his 11th at the FIFA World Cup. Croatia continued to threaten and twice had goals disallowed for offside. Igor Matanović found the net shortly after Perišić’s opener, while Petar Sučić also saw his effort ruled out. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made several important saves to keep his side in the contest. With the match heading towards extra time, Rafael Leão delivered a cross into the penalty area in the fourth minute of stoppage time, where Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winning goal. Croatia thought they had rescued a dramatic equaliser moments later when Joško Gvardiol tapped in after a pass from Mario Pašalić, but a VAR review confirmed Pašalić had been offside in the build-up. The victory sends Portugal into the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain in Dallas on 6 July.