Sports

Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Ramos Fires Portugal Past Croatia into Round of 16

Published

3 months ago

July 3, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Ramos Fires Portugal Past Croatia into Round of 16

Cristiano Ronaldo made FIFA World Cup history on Thursday night, scoring his first-ever knockout-stage goal before Gonçalo Ramos struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Portugal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

The pulsating encounter at Toronto Stadium delivered everything football fans could hope for—stunning goals, VAR drama, disallowed strikes, missed chances and a last-gasp winner—as Portugal secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Spain in a blockbuster Iberian showdown on Monday, July 6.

Portugal dominated possession during the opening half, dictating the tempo and creating the better chances without finding a breakthrough against a disciplined Croatian defence led by Josko Gvardiol.

Croatia emerged stronger after the interval and deservedly took the lead in the 53rd minute. Ivan Perišić capitalised after Rúben Dias failed to fully clear a cross, rifling a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The Croatians believed they had doubled their advantage just two minutes later when substitute Igor Matanović bundled the ball into the net from close range. However, the assistant referee ruled the effort out for offside after Nikola Vlašić was adjudged to have interfered in the build-up.

READ ALSO:

Portugal responded with renewed urgency.

Rafael Leão came within inches of equalising when his curling effort crashed against the crossbar, while Ronaldo thought he had scored with a delicate lob over Dominik Livaković only for VAR to confirm he had drifted narrowly offside.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 68th minute after a lengthy VAR review spotted Renato Veiga being fouled inside the penalty area during a corner kick. Ronaldo calmly converted the resulting penalty, drawing Portugal level and etching his name into football history.

The goal made the 41-year-old the oldest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, while also ending his long wait for a knockout-stage goal after appearances across six World Cup tournaments. It was another landmark in Ronaldo’s remarkable international career.

Croatia refused to retreat.

Mateo Kovačić inspired several dangerous attacks after the hydration break, forcing Diogo Costa into two excellent saves before denying Matanović in a one-on-one situation.

Petar Sučić also thought he had restored Croatia’s lead after racing onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Kovačić, but the offside flag was raised once again.

Ronaldo’s evening ended in frustration when he was substituted in the 81st minute, visibly unhappy with the decision. Even after his departure, Portugal continued to push for a winner, while Renato Veiga and Mario Pašalić both squandered excellent headed opportunities at opposite ends of the pitch.

Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Portugal produced the decisive moment.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Rafael Leão delivered a superb cross from the left flank and substitute Gonçalo Ramos rose above two Croatian defenders to head emphatically into the net, sending Portuguese players and supporters into wild celebrations.

Croatia believed they had rescued the contest in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol bundled home during a frantic goalmouth scramble.

However, a lengthy VAR review determined that Igor Matanović had made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached Mario Pašalić, who was standing in an offside position. The goal was ruled out, ending Croatia’s hopes and confirming Portugal’s dramatic victory.

The contest featured four disallowed goals, underlining the significant influence of VAR throughout one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far.

After the final whistle, Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota by wearing a jersey bearing Jota’s name and number before pointing skyward in a touching moment of remembrance.

Portugal will now face reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs. Croatia, meanwhile, bow out after a spirited display that ultimately fell just short.

Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Ramos Fires Portugal Past Croatia into Round of 16

Sports

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, producing a strong performance despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result extended Portugal’s perfect start under head coach Jorge Jesus, who has now overseen three victories from three matches since taking charge of the national team.

Playing in Copenhagen, Portugal took the lead in the 13th minute when João Cancelo finished from close range after Denmark struggled to clear the ball.

The hosts responded when Mikkel Damsgaard produced a composed finish to level the score.

Portugal regained the advantage shortly afterwards through Gonçalo Ramos, who found the net at the near post to make it 2-1.

Denmark refused to surrender and drew level again early in the second half through Rasmus Højlund.

READ ALSO:

Portugal then regained control of the contest, with Vitinha heading home in the 57th minute to restore the visitors’ lead.

João Félix completed the scoring three minutes from full time, finishing a counter-attack to secure the 4-2 victory.

The match was played against the backdrop of Ronaldo’s absence after the veteran forward left Portugal’s training camp before the game.

Ronaldo’s departure followed a decision by Jesus not to start him against Denmark. The 41-year-old subsequently said in a social media post that he would explain the circumstances surrounding his exit at a later time.

With Ronaldo unavailable, Jesus handed Ramos the responsibility of leading the attack, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward responded with Portugal’s second goal.

The victory moved Portugal to nine points from three matches in the competition and maintained their winning run under Jesus.

Denmark, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another match in which they twice came from behind but were unable to prevent Portugal from taking all three points.

Portugal will continue their Nations League campaign against Norway, while attention is expected to remain on Ronaldo and his future involvement with the national team.

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Sports

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark, following reports of tension over his role in the team.

Ronaldo’s departure came after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old forward would not start against Denmark.

The situation reportedly followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match despite warming up during the game.

According to reports, Ronaldo was unhappy after he was not introduced and went straight to the dressing room at the final whistle rather than joining his teammates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters.

Jesus later addressed the issue and acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision, but denied that there had been a major confrontation between the two.

The Portugal coach also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that the forward had instead completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

READ ALSO:

The situation intensified after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would again not be in the starting lineup for the Denmark vs Portugal fixture, with Gonçalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.

Jesus said Ronaldo could still be introduced as a substitute depending on how the match developed.

Ronaldo subsequently held a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen.

The Portugal captain later posted a statement on social media confirming his departure and indicating that he would explain the circumstances behind the decision at a later time.

He did not directly accuse Jesus or the Portuguese federation of wrongdoing in the statement.

The episode has nevertheless generated renewed questions about Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team, particularly as he approaches the later stages of his international career.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most decorated players. He has also previously indicated that his playing career is approaching its final stage.

For now, the confirmed sequence is that Ronaldo was left unused against Norway, Jesus subsequently announced that he would not start against Denmark, Ronaldo met with the federation president and then left the training camp.

Portugal’s immediate focus remains its Nations League campaign, while further details about Ronaldo’s decision are expected to emerge if the player follows through on his promise to explain the circumstances.

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Sports

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles after their defeat to Guinea Bissau

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday night, as their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign suffered a major setback in Bissau.

The hosts produced a dominant display at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to move to the top of Group L with six points from two matches.

Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute after receiving a long pass from Renato Nhaga. He worked his way into the Nigerian penalty area before curling a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Super Eagles struggled to find their rhythm after conceding and failed to create enough clear chances to trouble the hosts before the interval.

Coach Eric Chelle responded at the start of the second half by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor for Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.

READ ALSO:

The changes did little to alter the pattern of the match, with Guinea-Bissau continuing to pose the greater attacking threat.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé, who collected a pass from Mamadi Camará before cutting into the Nigerian box and firing a low shot past Nwabali.

Chelle subsequently brought on George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika for Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi, while Tolu Arokodare replaced Ademola Lookman.

Ilenikhena came close to reducing the deficit late in the game, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Embadjé made another important save to preserve his side’s two-goal advantage.

Nigeria’s miserable night was completed in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló finished a through ball from Tamble Monteiro to make it 3-0.

The result leaves Nigeria with three points from two matches, following their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have six points after beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture before defeating Nigeria.

Madagascar and Tanzania drew 1-1 in the other Group L match.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the qualifying position available to the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group.

The Super Eagles will have an opportunity to respond when they face Tanzania in a double-header during the November international window.

For Chelle and his players, however, the 3-0 defeat in Bissau leaves little room for another disappointing performance as the AFCON 2027 qualifying race continues.