Portugal survives Croatia scare after VAR drama, set up Spain clash

Portugal survived a breathtaking late scare to defeat Croatia 2-1 in one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Gonçalo Ramos scoring after Ivan Perišić’s opener before a stoppage-time VAR decision denied Croatia an equalizer and sent Roberto Martínez’s side into the last 16.

Portugal will now face neighbors Spain in a blockbuster Iberian showdown after edging a pulsating contest that featured three goals, three disallowed strikes, a VAR-awarded penalty and a controversial finish that left Croatia heartbroken.

The first half ended goalless despite Portugal dominating possession and creating the better chances.

Bruno Fernandes twice forced Dominik Livaković into action early, while João Cancelo, Rafael Leão and Ronaldo all came close as Croatia struggled to contain Portugal’s attacking pressure.

Croatia, however, emerged from the break with renewed intensity and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute.

Josip Stanišić delivered an inviting cross to the far post where the unmarked Perišić calmly controlled before drilling a low finish beyond Diogo Costa to give the 2018 World Cup finalists the advantage.

Portugal thought they had responded almost immediately when Ronaldo finished clinically from Cancelo’s cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside following a VAR review.

The equalizer eventually arrived in the 68th minute after another intervention from the video assistant.

Referee Espen Eskås pointed to the penalty spot after VAR spotted Nikola Vlašić pulling Renato Veiga’s shirt inside the area.

Ronaldo stepped up and confidently fired his spot-kick straight down the middle, scoring his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and restoring parity.

Both sides pushed relentlessly for a winner as the contest opened up.

Mateo Kovačić struck the post before Costa produced several important saves to keep Portugal level, while Leão rattled the crossbar at the opposite end.

With extra time looming, Portugal found the decisive breakthrough four minutes into stoppage time.

Leão delivered a superb inswinging cross from the left, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose above two defenders to power a brilliant header into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese supporters.

The drama was far from over.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time deep into added time when Joško Gvardiol bundled home following a scramble inside the penalty area.

Celebrations were cut short, however, as VAR determined Igor Matanović had made the slightest touch before the ball reached Mario Pašalić, who was standing in an offside position.

The goal was disallowed after a lengthy review, sealing Croatia’s elimination.

Portugal’s memorable comeback keeps alive Ronaldo’s quest for World Cup glory in what could be the final tournament of his illustrious career.

Martínez’s side now prepare for a heavyweight last-16 clash against Spain after surviving one of the competition’s most unforgettable knockout encounters, while Croatia exit the tournament wondering how victory slipped agonizingly from their grasp.

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