Portugal delivered a stunning comeback to edge Croatia 2–1 in a World Cup clash that swung back and forth until the very end.
A late strike seals the victory
After a cagey first half, Croatia broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić latched onto a loose ball and fired past Diogo Costa.
Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the clutch performer, leveled the score from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, his trademark run‑up leaving the crowd roaring.
The drama deepened in stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos met Rafael Leão’s pinpoint cross with a clinical finish, sending the Portuguese bench into celebration.
Bruno Fernandes, unusually off‑color, was taken off in the 62nd minute, while Rafael Leão’s creativity and Nuno Mendes’s defensive discipline kept Portugal’s rhythm alive.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a string of vital saves, preserving the lead despite Croatia’s late surge.
With the win, Portugal now prepares for a round‑of‑16 showdown against Spain, a fixture that promises another chapter in their growing tournament story.