Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Portugal secures late win to advance into Round of 16 

4 months By Chumasande Matiwane

Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, with a late win sealing qualification in an entertaining knockout clash.

Also see: Messi vs Ronaldo: Who has the better FIFA World Cup record?

Portugal dominated Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first World Cup knockout-stage goal of his career, while Goncalo Ramos netted a stoppage-time header and Portugal got a last-second break on an offside call to beat their opponent, setting up a last-16 clash with Spain.

The Portuguese started brightly, dominating possession and creating several early opportunities as they looked to impose themselves from the opening whistle.  

Their persistence paid off when they found the breakthrough in the first half, taking a deserved lead with a well-worked team move. 

However, Croatia responded with determination after the first half, growing into the contest and eventually drawing level with a clinical finish that set up a tense finale.  

According to Reuters, Ronaldo, 41, became the oldest player to score in the knockout stage of a World Cup when he fired home from the spot to draw Portugal ⁠level in the 68th minute of the match.  

Also see: World Cup 2026: Africa sets new knockout stage record

Portugal’s next match

This victory ensures Portugal’s progression to the Round of 16, where they will face Spain on Monday, 6 July 2026, in what promises to be one of the tournament’s standout fixtures. 

Portugal will want to continue their quest for World Cup glory, fuelled by the composed display and the confidence gained from overcoming a stubborn Croatian side in a dramatic World Cup match. 

Also see: Kylian Mbappe breaks historic World Cup knockout record

Featured image: Getty Images/Buda Mendes

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