Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Enzo Maresca’s stars to clash in last-16 as Portugal defeat Croatia | OneFootball

Ruben Dias and Portugal came from behind to record a hugely dramatic 2-1 win against Croatia despite an outstanding individual performance from Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic.

Portugal booked their ticket into the World Cup round of 16 after completing a thrilling second-half comeback to eliminate Croatia. The encounter goes down in the history books for a legendary milestone, as Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first-ever career goal in a World Cup knockout stage.

As a physical, end-to-end battle seemed destined for an additional 30 minutes, Gonçalo Ramos delivered a decisive blow in the 94th minute, climbing above a pair of Croatian central defenders to nod home a pinpoint cross from Rafael Leão.

However, the final whistle was shrouded in drama due to a disallowed Croatia equaliser deep into stoppage time. The Vatreni thought they had rescued the tie at the death when the ball was bundled into the net through Josko Gvardiol, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

Having survived the scare, Portugal now march on to line up a blockbuster last-16 showdown against the European champions Spain at the Dallas Stadium on Monday, July 6.

Matheus Nunes match statistics vs Croatia

Unused from the bench.

Ruben Dias match statistics vs Croatia

90 Minutes110 Touches (Most)86 Accurate Passes91% Pass Accuracy20 Passes Into Final Third5 Clearances5 Aerial Duels Won5 Ground Duels Won4 Headed Clearances3 Tackles2 Recoveries2 Was Fouled2 Interceptions2 Accurate Long Balls

Josko Gvardiol match statistics vs Croatia

9 Minutes7 Touches5 Accurate Passes71% Pass Accuracy1 Recovery1 Pass Into Final Third

Mateo Kovacic match statistics vs Croatia

90 Minutes63 Touches49 Accurate Passes94% Pass Accuracy3 Recoveries3 Shots On Target3 Ground Duels Won3 Passes Into Final Third3 Touches In Opposition Box1 Block1 Tackle1 Was Fouled1 Successful Dribble1 Big Chance Missed

Data courtesy of FotMob.