Portugal's last‑gasp strike pushes them into World Cup round‑of‑16

Gonçalo Ramos' late strike sealed Portugal's passage to the World Cup 2026 round of 16, as Croatia fell 2‑1 after the Portuguese forward found the net in the dying minutes. The goal came after a contentious decision that saw a Croatian equaliser ruled out. The encounter between Portugal and Croatia unfolded as a tightly contested affair, with both sides probing for advantage. The match's intensity set the stage for a thrilling climax that would decide the tie. Gonçalo Ramos broke the deadlock in the final minutes, finding the net to put Portugal ahead. His strike arrived as the clock ticked down, leaving little time for a response.

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Immediately after the Portuguese goal, Croatian players saw a potential equaliser dismissed by officials. The disallowed goal eliminated any chance of a comeback for Croatia. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory for Portugal, securing their progression to the knockout phase. Croatia's campaign ended with the narrow defeat. With the win, Portugal moves into the round of 16 at the World Cup 2026, while Croatia exits the tournament. The result underscores Portugal's resilience and Croatia's missed opportunities.