By Tomiwa Jagunna
Portugal booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia at BMO Field in Toronto, but the scoreline did little to mask another disappointing performance from Roberto Martínez’s men.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Portugal struggled to impose themselves and were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Croatian side. Croatia deservedly broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, punishing Portugal’s sluggish defending.
Cristiano Ronaldo, however, breathed life into his team’s campaign with a composed penalty in the 68th minute, his first goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, before Gonçalo Ramos rose highest to head home a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 94th minute.
For much of the contest, Croatia looked the sharper and more cohesive side, pressing aggressively and creating the clearer opportunities. Portugal’s midfield lacked its usual rhythm, while the attack struggled to break down Croatia’s organised defensive block.
ACroatia believed they had forced another twist in added time, only for a late equaliser to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review, bringing an agonising end to their World Cup journey.
Portugal march into the Round of 16 with the result they wanted, but their performance will offer little reassurance ahead of a blockbuster meeting with Spain. Martínez’s side have yet to produce the fluid, dominant football expected of genuine title contenders, relying instead on individual moments to survive another test.
