Ronaldo Scores First Knockout Goal as Portugal Edges Croatia 2-1 to Reach World Cup Last 16

On July 3, Beijing time, the Round of 32 of the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup featured a high-stakes clash.

Led by two veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, Portugal and Croatia faced off in this knockout match, with Portugal ultimately winning 2-1 to advance.

In the group stage, Portugal failed to top their group, finishing second with 1 win and 2 draws (5 points). Croatia also advanced as group runners-up with 2 wins and 1 loss (6 points).

Historically, Portugal finished third in the 1966 World Cup and fourth in 2006, but have not reached the semifinals since then.

Croatia, on the other hand, have reached the World Cup semifinals three times — finishing third in 1998 and 2022, and runners-up in 2018.

In this do-or-die knockout match, both teams set their sights on victory. On paper, Portugal — boasting stars like Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes — was the more favored side. In the FIFA World Rankings, Portugal sits 8th and Croatia 13th.

The direct showdown between former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić added extra intrigue to the match. Ahead of the game, Portugal midfielder Vitinha said: 'Both are legendary figures in world football. One of them is destined to end their World Cup journey here — I hope it's Modrić.'

Croatia showed no sign of backing down either. Head coach Zlatko Dalić said: 'We have our own style of play. We must respond with aggressive, disciplined, and solid team defense.'

Both the 41-year-old Ronaldo and the 40-year-old Modrić started the match. At 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match.

Portugal's starting XI: Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Croatia's starting XI: Dominik Livaković, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, Nikola Vlašić, Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perišić.

In the first half, Portugal controlled more possession while Croatia set up for counter-attacks. Neither side created many clear-cut chances, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute. A cross from the right flank found Ivan Perišić at the far post, who calmly slotted home to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.

In the 57th minute, Portugal had a scare when substitute Matanović scored from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Trailing, Portugal intensified their attack. In the 58th minute, Leão's shot hit the crossbar. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo latched onto a through ball and found the net, but it was also ruled out for offside.

In the 64th minute, Portugal won a corner kick. Tomás Araújo was pulled down by Vlašić in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted down the middle to level the score.

With this goal, Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal, also becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.

After the equalizer, Croatia continued to threaten. Kovačić's shot hit the post, and Sučić had a goal ruled out for offside.

Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute. In the 94th minute, Leão delivered a cross, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose above defenders to head home, sealing a dramatic late winner for Portugal.

Just before full time, Croatia scored again but it was again ruled out for offside. Portugal held on for a thrilling 2-1 victory to advance.

In the Round of 16, Portugal will face Spain.