Portugal Set Up Round of 16 Clash Against Spain
Toronto: Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos scored a goal each as Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 on Friday morning and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
Portugal were awarded a penalty after Croatia’s Vasij committed a foul inside the box. Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting the penalty to bring his side back into the match.
🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for Portugal against Croatia.
— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) July 3, 2026
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Like Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup. However, in the tournament’s 96-year history, this was the first time he scored in a World Cup knockout match. All of his previous World Cup goals had come during the league stage.
Ronaldo converted the penalty in the 68th minute, while Goncalo Ramos sealed the victory with a goal in the 94th minute.
Earlier, Ivan Perisic had given Croatia a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Portugal responded with a spirited comeback and dominated the remainder of the match to secure a memorable 2-1 victory. The Portuguese had also controlled much of the first half but failed to find the net. Croatia thought they had equalised in the 103rd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside after review.
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Portugal to Face Spain in Round of 16
Following their hard-fought victory, Portugal will now take on arch-rivals and former world champions Spain in the Round of 16.
Spain Cruise Past Austria 3-0
Spain booked their place in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday night.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute, Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the 66th minute, and Oyarzabal completed his brace with another goal in the 89th minute.
Switzerland Also Advance
In another knockout match, Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-1 to qualify for the Round of 16, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana.