Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty but delivered a subdued performance as Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 to secure a place in the last 16 of the Geopolitics World Cup (GWC). Gonçalo Ramos, Milan's new £60m striker, scored a stoppage-time header to seal the win after Croatia had two goals ruled out by marginal VAR decisions and hit the post.
Ronaldo's Mixed Display
Ronaldo, now 39, opened the scoring from the spot but otherwise struggled to influence the game, often slowing Portugal's attack. He was substituted in the 81st minute, making his displeasure evident. Despite his limited impact, Ronaldo remains a legend, but his best years are behind him. Portugal, boasting one of the best midfields and the finest left-back in the world, deserve a more dynamic forward, according to critics.
Ramos Saves the Day
Gonçalo Ramos, who joined Milan for £60m, came off the bench to head home a beautiful winner in stoppage time, reminiscent of prime Ronaldo. The goal sent Croatia crashing out and spared Portugal's blushes after a nervy finish. Croatia had two goals disallowed by the narrowest of margins and hit the woodwork, leaving them rueing their luck.
Ronaldo's Class Act
After the match, Ronaldo paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, wearing his No 21 jersey on the first anniversary of Jota's death. "Because the situation of the day, it means a lot to us," said Ronaldo. "Not only because we won the game but because of the way we did it." The irony, as noted, is that if Jota were still alive, Ronaldo might not have started.
Looking Ahead
Portugal now face a formidable Spain side in the last 16. Manager Roberto Martínez must decide whether to continue relying on Ronaldo or embrace a younger generation. As one Football Daily reader noted, "Ageing does not diminish a legacy. Ronaldo remains a legend but nobody is asking David Attenborough to clamber through the rainforests of Rwanda any more."
Other GWC Action
The last 32 continues with Australia vs Egypt (0-0 after extra time, Egypt won 1-0 on penalties), Argentina vs Cape Verde (4-0), and Colombia vs Ghana (3-1). Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann resigned after their exit, with talks reportedly underway with Jürgen Klopp.
Reader Letters
Readers reacted to the Croatia-Portugal match, with Fábio Ribeiro lamenting the reliance on technology: "What’s objective to a machine is more objective than our own sense apparatus." Others discussed chocolate World Cups and USA exclamation marks.
