Toronto: Portugal and Croatia meet in World Cup 2026 last 32
First Half Action in Toronto
The World Cup 2026 last 32 fixture between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto saw an active first half, with both teams creating opportunities. Early in the match, Portugal had a significant chance. A long ball was kept in play and recycled, leading to Bruno Fernandes taking a shot from a tight angle. The rebound stayed in play, requiring a timely intervention from Croatia to concede only a corner. Another instance saw João Cancelo cross the ball, which nearly resulted in a redirection towards the net by either Cristiano Ronaldo or Fernandes.
Croatia‘s goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, was active, collecting a cross and attempting to initiate a break with Luka Modrić. However, Modrić‘s pass lacked precision. Portugal maintained possession for periods, with Croatia often dropping players into their penalty area to defend against the Portuguese attack. Despite the defensive efforts, Portugal continued to work the ball effectively.
There were moments of contention regarding fouls. Kovačić caught Nuno Mendes on the foot after the ball was gone, leading to a legitimate free-kick for Portugal, which Ronaldo prepared to take from a distance. Later, Rúben Dias committed a foul on Ante Budimir just past midfield. Croatia also earned another free-kick when Josip Šutalo was fouled.
Croatia faced pressure, with Marin Pongračić forced into a dangerous header towards his own goal, managing to put it wide for a corner rather than risking an own goal. On another occasion, Pongračić headed the ball out for a corner instead of a throw-in. Portugal‘s Vitinha subsequently headed the ball over the bar from the resulting corner.
Veteran Players on Display
The match featured two prominent veteran players, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Luka Modrić of Croatia, both born in 1985. These players are among those with the most World Cup appearances in history and have previously won multiple Champions League titles together. Modrić‘s manager, Zlatko Dalić, indicated that this is Modrić‘s final World Cup appearance.
Ronaldo, known for being the record scorer in international football, has previously scored in six World Cups, including a brace against Uzbekistan. Despite his extensive goal tally, none of his international goals have come in a World Cup knockout match. Portugal‘s journey to this stage saw them as runners-up in their group, leading to their match in Toronto.
Modrić‘s tournament began with a penalty concession in a 4-2 defeat to England and an early substitution. However, he showed strong form later in the group stage. Croatia, often slow starters in tournaments, managed to secure second place in their group after being fourth after one game and third after two. The nation, with a population under four million, reached the finals in 2018 and finished third in 2022.
Historical Context and Player Statistics
Both Ronaldo and Modrić have demonstrated remarkable longevity in their careers. Only four players have made 200 appearances in senior international football. Ronaldo and Modrić have played 25 and 22 World Cup games, respectively, but have not faced each other in the competition. They have shared the pitch in 232 matches, with 222 of those for Real Madrid and 10 as opponents.
Modrić was named the best player in the 2018 tournament, winning the Golden Ball, and was the third finest in 2022. In 2018, he also received the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA best player award, succeeding Ronaldo. Ronaldo was the runner-up and among those who voted for Modrić. They were teammates at the Bernabéu for six years, during which Real Madrid won four Champions League titles. Ronaldo scored three goals in those finals and became Real Madrid‘s record scorer with 450 goals. Modrić remained at the Bernabéu for an additional seven years, securing two more Champions League titles before his departure a few months before his 40th birthday.
Historically, Modrić has not been on the winning side against Ronaldo when they have played in opposition. The outcome of this match could determine whether Modrić concludes his World Cup career or if Ronaldo‘s pursuit of the competition’s title, spanning two decades, comes to an end.
The match continues to unfold in Toronto.
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Source: theguardian.com