Portugal Edges Croatia in VAR-Filled World Cup Thriller
TITLE: Portugal Edges Croatia in VAR-Filled World Cup Thriller
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in their World Cup knockout match in Toronto on Thursday, with a late VAR decision denying Croatia an equalizer and keeping Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup aspirations alive. The match, played in a voluble atmosphere, saw momentum swing back and forth, culminating in a wild finish.
The first half was largely controlled by Portugal, though they failed to convert early opportunities. Croatia’s Ivan Perisic eventually broke the deadlock, giving his side the lead. However, Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, leveled the score from the penalty spot, marking his first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout stages. Ronaldo was later substituted, watching from the bench as the drama unfolded.
In added time, Gonçalo Ramos delivered the decisive blow, heading in a cross from Rafael Leão to give Portugal the lead. The match then plunged into further controversy when Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol appeared to score an equalizer in the 113th minute. However, following a VAR review initiated by a recommendation from Premier League referee Jarred Gillet, the goal was disallowed for offside, with official Espen Eskaas determining that Igor Matanovic had touched Ivan Perisic’s cross, making Mario Pasalic offside despite a deflection off Portugal’s Renato Veiga.
The result sends Portugal into the last 16 to face Spain, a rematch of the 2025 Nations League final. For Croatia’s 40-year-old captain Luka Modric, this defeat likely marks the end of his World Cup career, while Ronaldo continues his quest for the trophy.
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