Portugal shatters drought, beats Croatia in extra time

Portugal advances to the round of 16 after dramatic win

Portugal overcame Croatia 2‑1 in extra time of the World Cup 2026 round of 16, securing a clash with Spain on Monday (6) at AT&T Stadium, Dallas. Cristiano Ronaldo ended his knockout drought with a penalty, while Gonçalo Ramos added the decisive goal.

How did the match unfold?

Portugal started pressing, with Rafael Leão leading aerial attacks. Bruno Fernandes nearly scored, but goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved. Croatia responded, but lacked precision in headers. In the second half, Croatia opened the scoring at 15 minutes through Luka Perišić, capitalising on a Dejan Stanisic cross that slipped past Cancelo and Diogo Costa.

Where did Ronaldo make the difference?

At 20 minutes, Cancelo fed Ronaldo, who controlled and struck Livaković’s sortie, but VAR ruled it offside. At 45+2, after a foul on Renato Veiga, Ronaldo converted the penalty, leveling 1‑1. The referee confirmed the goal, ending his World Cup knockout drought.

What changed after the substitution?

Roberto Martínez withdrew Ronaldo at 36 minutes, bringing on Rúben Neves. Even without the captain, Portugal kept attacking. In stoppage time, Leão crossed to Gonçalo Ramos, who finished with flair, sealing a 2‑1 win.

Recent data for Portugal

The win places Portugal among the competition’s top eight and fuels expectations for the showdown with Spain, who beat Austria. The side shows resilience and the ability to decide in critical moments, hinting at a promising path toward the trophy.