Following Portugal’s 2-1 defeat of Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, captain Cristiano Ronaldo offered his perspective on the intense match. Roberto Martinez’s team overcame a deficit to advance into the Round of 16.
Croatia, the 2018 finalists, initially led after an Ivan Perisic goal in the 53rd minute. Ronaldo responded in the 68th minute with a penalty kick, which stands as his maiden knockout-stage goal in a World Cup tournament. The deciding moment arrived in the 94th minute when substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a header. Although Josko Gvardiol appeared to level the score for Croatia in the 103rd minute, the goal was ultimately overturned due to an offside ruling.
Ronaldo remarked to OJOGO that the contest was unpredictable, noting that while Portugal controlled the opening half, the team struggled with anxiety during the second half. He characterized the struggle as typical for a World Cup environment, where easy victories are rare. The Al-Nassr forward stressed that the squad must study their mistakes to succeed moving forward.
With three goals scored across four tournament matches, Ronaldo prepares with his teammates for their upcoming Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match is scheduled for July 6 at Dallas Stadium.
