Portugal survived one of the most dramatic games in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup, beating Croatia 2-1 to advance to the last 16 against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot, but Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive winner in stoppage time for Toronto.As a result, the Portuguese team advanced, but the conversation after the game quickly deviated from the score. FIFA’s decision to name Ronaldo Man of the Match has left many supporters questioning whether the award should go to the player who scored the goal.
Goncalo Ramos seals Portugal win as Cristiano Ronaldo steals the show with FIFA awards
Croatia looked set for a memorable result after Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock early in the second half. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who coolly took the penalty to score his first goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup and bring his team back into the game.Just when extra time seemed certain, Goncalo Ramos burst into the penalty area and headed home the winner in stoppage time. Croatia thought they were then forced into extra time, but Josko Gvardiol’s equalizer was ruled out after VAR ruled that Mario Pasalic was offside after Igor Matanovic took a slight touch in attack.The win also had an emotional impact on Portugal, with players paying tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota after the final whistle. Roberto Martinez praised the team’s character, saying: “The World Cup started for us today. We played with pride and represented the jersey. We showed character after going behind. It’s a very special team and a very special day because of Diogo (Jota). I’m satisfied and proud. Now we have to think about the next game.”“
Fans question FIFA’s choice after Ronaldo wins again
Although Ronaldo celebrated another personal milestone, many fans felt the Man of the Match award did not reflect the overall performance on the pitch. The 41-year-old equalized from the penalty spot before being substituted, with Ramos’ goal ultimately deciding the game.Reaction online quickly focused on FIFA’s decision. One fan wrote: “Goal wise, who won the match for them? FIFA’s choice was crazy. He only had one goal.” Another posted: “The real match winner. Goncalo Ramos.”Others thought Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa or Ramos were better throughout the 90 minutes. One supporter wrote: “Sorry but what? What the hell has he done?” Another added: “What nonsense is this!” Another fan commented: “Cristiano Ronaldo winning the man of the match award is a disgrace to the powers that be.”The controversy has even drawn comparisons to previous World Cup matches. One fan wrote: “I love him more than any other player but it’s like when Messi won the World Cup and he didn’t do anything in the game but they gave him Man of the Match.”The award won’t change Portugal’s biggest achievement of the night. Ramos’ late header secured qualification for the last 16, where Portugal will face Spain in one of the most anticipated knockout rounds of the World Cup.
