Croatia stunned as Portugal turns the game around in the 103rd minute

Croatia eliminated from World Cup 2026 in dramatic clash with Portugal

Croatia fell 2‑1 to Portugal on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Toronto's BMO Field, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winning goal in the 103rd minute of extra‑time. Last result: Portugal 2-1 Croatia (2026-07-02).

How did the match start?

Both sides created chances in the opening ten minutes. Budimir tried a shot from the penalty area in the 3rd minute, but Diogo Costa saved it. A minute later Rafael Leão broke down the left wing and crossed for Bruno Fernandes, whose strike was stopped by Livaković. Croatia’s first real chance came in the 48th minute when Milan Škrinić (note: replaced Matanović) cleared the ball from Vitinha's feet, giving Kovačić a shot from seven‑eight meters, which Diogo Costa managed to block.

What decided the result?

Ivan Perišić opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after a combination with Vlašić, and Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. After Ramos scored in regular time, tension rose. In the final seconds, Gvardiol struck the ball into the net, but VAR ruled Pašalić was off‑side, nullifying the goal. The decisive turn came in the 103rd minute when Ramos leapt onto Pongračić and Gvardiol, beating Livaković and sealing the win.

Why does this loss matter for Croatia?

Beyond the emotional drama, the result changes recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2. Croatia is now out of the tournament, and next fixture: vs Czechia (away, 2026-09-26) (4th in the table) remains the only remaining challenge in the Euro 2028 qualifiers. Coach Zlatko Dalić must rethink tactics and decide whether to invest in young talents like Gvardiol and Modrić.

What to expect in the next encounter?

In the upcoming clash against Czechia, the Vatreni will seek a return to form. Pašalić, Gvardiol, and Modrić are crucial for the attack, while Livaković and Kovačić will lead the defence. If the team can organise itself, it may reverse the recent losing streak and get back on the road to future success. And all eyes will be on Dalić’s lineup, which must show that this drama was only a temporary setback.