Portugal narrowly defeats Croatia to advance to Round of 16; Ronaldo and Modric embrace after match

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Toronto, July 2nd, Combined Wires) Portugal and Croatia engaged in a thrilling World Cup soccer match today, with substitute Ramos scoring a header in stoppage time to give Portugal a narrow 2-1 victory and a spot in the Round of 16. Legendary veterans "CR7" and "El Maestro" embraced each other after the game.

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Croatian star Luka Modric, 40, made history together, becoming the first two players over 40 to face each other on the field in World Cup history.

According to AFP, the two teams were deadlocked in the first half. Ivan Perisic scored in the 53rd minute of the second half to give Croatia the lead.

A few minutes later, Ronaldo received a long pass and shot into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

However, Portugal quickly equalized. After Portuguese player Renato Veiga was pulled down by Croatia's Nikola Vlasic in the penalty area, the referee awarded Portugal a 12-yard penalty kick after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Ronaldo converted the penalty kick in the 68th minute, celebrating with a clenched fist. This was Ronaldo's first goal in a World Cup knockout stage. Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, with Ruben Neves coming on.

Ramos secured the win in the 94th minute of stoppage time, heading in a brilliant pass from Rafael Leao.

The end of the match was dramatic. Croatia thought they had equalized at the last moment, but the goal was disallowed for offside after VAR review, leaving Croatian players stunned. According to the Associated Press, Croatian fans threw bottles onto the field and protested with boos.

Ronaldo embraced "El Maestro" Modric after the match, marking a regretful end to Modric's final World Cup appearance. Ronaldo's legendary international career will continue to a new chapter, with Portugal set to face Spain on the 6th (7th early morning Taiwan time). (Compiled by Lu Ying-tzu) 1150703

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