Portugal Beats Croatia with Technology Assistance | Rafael Leão

The Portugal National Team secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 after beating Croatia 2-1.

What happened?

The match was played at the Toronto Stadium in Canada and had a very eventful second half. Croatia took the lead early in the second half, with Perisic taking advantage of a Portuguese defensive mistake.

Portugal's response

Before that, Portugal had started the game better and created the best opportunities in the first half. Rafael Leão participated in the first big attack by crossing for Bruno Fernandes to finish, but Livakovic made the save.

The equalizing goal

Cristiano Ronaldo almost scored after receiving a pass from Pedro Neto, but the play was also invalidated for offside. Later, Renato Veiga suffered a foul inside the area, and the referee marked a penalty for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored with confidence and tied the game.

Portugal's comeback

As the game was nearing its end, Rafael Leão was decisive again. The attacker made the cross for Gonçalo Ramos, who appeared between the defenders and deflected the ball into the net, securing Portugal's comeback in the final minutes.