Cristiano Ronaldo Inspires Portugal's Comeback Win

Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Portugal fought back from a goal down to beat Croatia 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where they will face Spain on 6 July.

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Croatia broke the deadlock early in the second half through Ivan Perisic after a well-worked move involving Nikola Vlasic and Josip Stanisic. The Croatians nearly doubled their lead, but Igor Matanovic's finish was ruled out for offside.

Portugal responded with renewed intensity as Rafael Leao struck the crossbar before Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had equalised, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside. The breakthrough eventually came from the penalty spot after a VAR review spotted a foul on Renato Veiga inside the box. Ronaldo calmly converted to score his third goal of the tournament and his 11th FIFA World Cup goal.Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the oldest player ever to score in the men's World Cup knockouts (41Y, 147D)

Croatia continued to threaten, with Mateo Kovacic forcing two outstanding saves from Diogo Costa, while another Croatian goal was ruled out for offside.

Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Leao delivered a pinpoint cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time and Goncalo Ramos rose highest to head home the winner, sparking wild celebrations on the Portugal bench.

Croatia thought they had rescued a dramatic equaliser moments later, but VAR ruled Mario Pasalic offside in the build-up, sealing Portugal's thrilling victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo earns the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match trophy. 🔥

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/hRUFTf12m6

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 3, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo was named Player of the Match for his influential display as Portugal advanced to a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Spain.