Portugal Beats Croatia in Dramatic World Cup Clash as Modric Bids Farewell
In a thrilling World Cup knockout match on the night between Thursday and Friday, Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic encounter that marked Luka Modric's final World Cup appearance. Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16 after Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Austria earlier the same day. Meanwhile, Switzerland secured a confident 2-0 win over Algeria, advancing to play the winner of Colombia versus Ghana.
The Portugal-Croatia match featured a late comeback with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a decisive goal in stoppage time. Croatia initially took the lead through Ivan Perisic in the second half, but Portugal fought back. Ronaldo equalized with a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box, and substitute Goncalo Ramos headed the winner in the 94th minute. Ronaldo, frustrated by being substituted earlier, celebrated his first knockout stage World Cup goal, while Modric, 41, ended his World Cup career with 202 appearances and a record including a 2018 runner-up finish and third place in 2022.
Spain ended a long knockout stage win drought since their 2010 World Cup triumph by defeating Austria 3-0. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, assisted by Marc Cucurella, helped Spain secure their spot in the round of 16. Spain also impressed with 10 shots on target in the match, a significant improvement from their group stage performance.
Switzerland continued their strong tournament run with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, dominating Algeria and reaching the round of 16 for the first time in 88 years. Captain Granit Xhaka led the midfield as Switzerland controlled the game.
Notable records include Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon setting a new World Cup record with 519 consecutive minutes without conceding, surpassing Walter Zenga’s 1990 mark. Ronaldo also became the oldest player to appear in a World Cup knockout match at age 41, marking his 232nd World Cup game.
The upcoming round of 16 matches will see Portugal face Spain on Monday, while Switzerland awaits the winner of Colombia versus Ghana.
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