World Cup – Gonzalo Ramos scores as Portugal come from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1.

In another key match of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal, the "Navigators," defeated Croatia 2-1 at the BMO Stadium after trailing, thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Ramos.

Three minutes into the match, Croatia created an attacking opportunity when Nikola Vlasic passed the ball to Budimir, whose shot went wide. In the fourth minute, Portuguese winger Leão passed back to Bruno Fernández, whose shot was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic.

In the 7th minute, Portugal attacked from a corner kick. Cancelo received the ball and took a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went wide of the goal. In the 10th minute, Nicola Vlasic chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Budimir headed it, but the ball went over the bar.

In the 13th minute, Portugal had a free kick opportunity. Cristiano Ronaldo took the free kick and opted for a direct shot, but the ball hit the wall. In the 16th minute, Nuno Mendes took a corner kick, and Renato Vega headed the ball, but it went over the goal. In the 24th minute, João Neves received a pass from Nuno Mendes and shot, but the ball went over the post.

In the 34th minute, Cancelo passed the ball to Nuno Mendes, who followed up with a long-range shot, but it was cleared by an opposing player. In first-half stoppage time, Portugal launched an attack, with Leão volleying in the penalty area, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 48th minute of the second half, Croatian midfielder Kovacic, who plays for Manchester City, received a pass from Matanovic and entered the penalty area to shoot, but his shot was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Diogo Costa. In the 49th minute, Croatia continued their counter-attack from a corner kick, but Nikola Vlasic's shot went wide.

In the 53rd minute, Stanisic crossed the ball, and Perisic, receiving it in the penalty area, fired a low shot past the defender to break the deadlock, giving Croatia a 1-0 lead. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo received a long pass from his teammate and shot into the net, but after VAR intervention, it was determined that he was offside, and the goal was disallowed.

In the 64th minute, Portugal took a corner kick. Renato Vega was brought down in the penalty area by Nicola Vlasic. After reviewing VAR, the referee awarded Portugal a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 for Portugal.

In the 75th minute, Croatia attempted a counter-attack. Kovacic received the ball, broke into the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful shot, but the ball hit the post and was saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. In the 80th minute, Sucic received the ball and scored with a long-range shot, but it was disallowed for offside.

In stoppage time of the second half, Leão crossed from the left wing, and Gonzalo Ramos rose to head the ball into the net, giving Portugal a 2-1 lead over Croatia.

Seven minutes later, Croatia launched an attack, and Gevadiol received the ball and fired a powerful shot into the net, but after VAR intervention, it was determined that Pasalic was offside, and the goal was disallowed.

Portugal ultimately defeated Croatia 2-1, securing their place in the round of 16.

Image source: Internet