Portugal keep Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup hopes alive after defeating Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic finish. Multiple reports say Portugal fall behind before staging a comeback, with goals that include Ronaldo’s contribution in a late stage of the match. The contest is marked by a tense and controversial end, with a late VAR intervention and scrutiny over a Croatia equaliser that does not stand. Reports also describe a frantic final period as Croatia push for a way back into the game but are denied by the match officials’ decisions following video review.
With the result, Portugal progress to the knockout phase and are set to face Spain in the last 16. Coverage across outlets frames the match as both a continuation of Portugal’s tournament run and a send-off moment for Croatia, with references to the circumstances around the final phases and the way VAR reshapes the closing minutes. Overall accounts align on the final score, the decisive late events, and Portugal’s advancement.
