Portugal 2:1 Croatia — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Ivan Perišić scored the opening goal but Portugal stormed back to win 2-1 in the World Cup round of 32, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos turning the tie around. It was a match that appeared settled when Croatia took the lead, yet Portugal's resilience told in the end.

The turning point arrived in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić finished from Josip Stanišić's assist to put Croatia ahead. Portugal responded through a VAR review on the hour mark, and Cristiano Ronaldo levelled in the 68th minute with a goal that stood after another check. Gonçalo Ramos then struck in the 90th minute from Rafael Leão's pass, sparking a late VAR review for Croatia before the final whistle. Luka Modrić and Rúben Dias were booked earlier in a contest that swung decisively in the closing stages.

Portugal deserved the win, though Croatia were the better side in the second half after Perišić's goal. CheckLive's model rated Portugal marginally ahead and the result confirmed that call, with a live signal backing Portugal at 4.79 that proved correct. There is no next fixture to report.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Portugal vs Croatia?

Portugal 2-1 Croatia (World Cup, Round of 32).

Who scored?

Ivan Perišić (53', assist Josip Stanišić) for Croatia; Cristiano Ronaldo (68') for Portugal; Gonçalo Ramos (90', assist Rafael Leão) for Portugal.

Was Portugal's win deserved?

It was close — an evenly matched game.

Were there any cards in Portugal vs Croatia?

Yellow cards: Rúben Dias (Portugal); Luka Modrić (Croatia); Ivan Perišić (Croatia).

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