Portugal edge Croatia in stoppage-time thriller to reach the last 16

Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a breathless Round of 32 clash defined by intensity, controversy and a dramatic finish. Roberto Martínez’s side began assertively, pressing high and using Rafael Leão’s surges to unsettle Croatia. Bruno Fernandes forced an early save from Dominik Livaković, while Croatia threatened through swift transitions, with Budimir’s aerial presence and Mateo Kovacic’s long‑range strike testing Diogo Costa.

Croatia struck first when Ivan Perišić reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, finishing clinically. Portugal responded immediately as João Cancelo’s long pass released Cristiano Ronaldo, who was fouled. After VAR intervention, the penalty stood, and Ronaldo converted emphatically. He later had a second goal ruled out for offside, before Croatia saw a Sucic strike cancelled for another infringement.

Deep into stoppage time, Gonçalo Ramos headed in Leão’s cross to complete the turnaround. A final Croatian effort was again denied by VAR, sealing Portugal’s dramatic progression.