Portugal secures victory in dramatic match
Portugal has advanced to the World Cup last 16 following a 2-1 victory over Croatia, a match marked by significant late VAR drama. The game saw Gonçalo Ramos score the winning goal in added time, securing Portugal‘s place in the next round.
The encounter was billed by some as a potential final World Cup appearance for two footballing icons, Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Modrić, at 40, is likely concluding his World Cup journey, Ronaldo continues in the tournament. Ronaldo scored in the match, which was filled with incidents, including four disallowed goals.
The atmosphere in Toronto was described as voluble, despite a sweltering day. Portugal largely dominated the first half, creating several early opportunities. Rafael Leão and Bruno Fernandes had shots on goal, with Dominik Livaković making key saves for Croatia. Pedro Neto was a persistent threat for Portugal in the opening period, delivering numerous crosses into the box.
Second half sees shift in momentum and VAR interventions
The second half brought a change in momentum, with Croatia starting strongly. Ivan Perišić opened the scoring for Croatia, finding the net from a cross by Josep Stanišić. Shortly after, Croatia had another goal disallowed for offside, following a shot by Igor Matanović. Petar Sučić also had a strong effort saved by Diogo Costa.
Portugal found an equaliser through a penalty awarded after a VAR review. The decision came after Nikola Vlašić was judged to have fouled Rafael Leão in the box. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty, marking his first knockout stage goal in a World Cup.
The match continued with back-and-forth action. Mateo Kovačić had two long-range shots saved, and Matanović also tested Costa. Another Croatia goal by Sučić was ruled out for offside. Ronaldo was later substituted for Rúben Neves, a decision that appeared to be a tactical shift by Portugal manager Roberto Martínez.
Portugal then took the lead in added time when Gonçalo Ramos scored from a cross by Rafael Leão. The celebrations for this goal were extensive, leading the referee to add additional minutes to stoppage time.
Controversial disallowed goal ends Croatian hopes
In the final moments of the match, Croatia believed they had found a late equaliser through Joško Gvardiol. However, this goal was also disallowed by VAR, the fourth such instance in the game. The decision was made after ‘Snicko’ technology indicated that Igor Matanović had made a faint touch, making Mario Pašalić, who assisted the goal, offside.
Following a recommendation from Premier League referee Jarred Gillet for an on-field review, on-pitch official Espen Eskås confirmed the offside decision. This ruling sparked protests, with plastic bottles reportedly thrown onto the pitch.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalić expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing, stating that VAR “kills emotions.” Conversely, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez asserted that the disallowed goal was a “clear moment” and not a bad or lucky decision. Portugal will now face Spain in the last 16, a replay of the 2025 Nations League final.
Gonçalo Ramos, who scored the winning goal, commented on the high-stakes nature of the game, stating his enjoyment of such moments where the consequence of not winning means going home.
The match concluded with Portugal securing a 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Source: theguardian.com