Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia, 2-1, in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 3, Philippine time, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo’s tournament alive while ending what may have been Luka Modrić’s final World Cup match.
After a scoreless first half, Croatia struck first in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić fired home to give his side a 1-0 lead. Portugal responded in the 68th minute after winning a penalty, with Ronaldo converting from the spot to bring the match level.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Portugal found the decisive moment. Gonçalo Ramos headed in the winning goal in stoppage time to complete the comeback and send Portugal into the Round of 16.
Croatia appeared to have rescued the match deep into stoppage time when Joško Gvardiol found the net. But after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because the ball had deflected off the head of Igor Matanović, who was judged to be offside.
Modrić’s World Cup Journey May End
The defeat may have closed one of the great World Cup careers. Modrić has now played 23 World Cup matches, ranking fifth all-time behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo embraced his former Real Madrid teammate in an emotional moment that reflected the respect shared by two of football’s greatest players.
Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16.
