Ronaldo penalty, Ramos header give Portugal 2-1 win over Croatia, Spain next
Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup round of 32 match at Toronto’s BMO Field on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, converted a 68th-minute penalty to cancel Ivan Perišić’s 53rd-minute opener, then Gonçalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner in the fourth minute of injury time. A late Croatia effort by Josko Gvardiol was overturned by VAR after the ball brushed Igor Matanović while Mario Pašalić was offside. After the final whistle, Ronaldo lifted a shirt bearing number 21 in tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash almost exactly a year earlier.
The victory keeps Portugal alive in the tournament and sets up a last-16 showdown with European champions Spain in Dallas on Monday. Ronaldo’s penalty made him the oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match, adding another milestone to a career that continues to defy age. For African fans watching, the performance underscores how experience and mental strength can compete with youthful legs on the world stage, and the tribute to Jota highlighted the tight bonds within the squad.
Spain arrived at the clash after a 3-0 win over Austria, confirming their status as title favourites. Portugal will need to defend their lead and manage Ronaldo’s minutes against a technically superb Spanish side. Will you tune in to see if Ronaldo can extend his World Cup record against Spain, or do you think the Iberian rivals will end the legend’s run?