3.7.2026
Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 on a late goal scored by Goncalo Ramos to advance into the round 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
Before then Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s 53rd minute goal from the spot in from the spot and according to him, he dreamt of the goal before the game.
“This afternoon I was overcome with this feeling that I’d have to take a penalty,” he said to CazéTV.
“I’d been readying myself since then because I sensed it was going to happen. I’m not going to lie, it was tough.
“My heart was racing, but I tried to trust my instincts and believe I was going to score. It turned out really well. We all felt a weight come off our shoulders because after that goal went in, we felt we could win the game. I’m obviously overjoyed.”
Ronaldo said before his goal he realised that Portugal were in trouble but had the hope the game will go their way.
“Croatia are a top side. “They opened the scoring, and we were left a bit stunned. However, I think that our belief grew after I had that goal disallowed. We grew further into the game after the penalty and created some decent opportunities. In the end we deserved to win.”
The 41-year-old was taken off nine minutes from the end of the second half and from the bench saw Goncalo Ramos score the goal that secured a thrilling turnaround in the fourth minute of added time.
Ronaldo...