The World Cup 2026 knockout stage continued with several key matches, including Spain securing a victory against Austria and a closely contested game between Portugal and Croatia. Spain advanced to the round of 16 after a 3-0 win.
The match between Portugal and Croatia, held in Toronto, remained scoreless at halftime. This game featured prominent players such as Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Luka Modrić for Croatia, both veterans in the tournament.
Portugal and Croatia Battle in Toronto
The first half of the Portugal versus Croatia match saw both teams struggling to find the back of the net. Portugal demonstrated control of the action, creating several chances, but was unable to convert them into goals. Croatia, despite Portugal’s aggressive play, managed to keep the score level.
Rafael Leão of Portugal had an opportunity early in the second half, running down the left side of the box. However, instead of taking a shot, he attempted a pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, which was deflected by a defender, ending the chance. Portugal continued to press, with the team’s expected goals at 0.97 compared to Croatia’s 0.21 by halftime, according to one report.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a relatively quiet first half, with only 17 touches and one shot. He has not scored in a World Cup knockout game throughout his career. An attempt at a free kick from outside the left side of the box was blocked by Croatia’s wall. Later, a cross from João Cancelo went through the box, but Ronaldo could not make solid contact.
Croatia’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, made a significant save early in the match, denying a right-footed shot from Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes. The rebound was loose, but no Portuguese player could reach it. The crowd in Toronto audibly booed Ronaldo in the 42nd minute while he held the ball near midfield.
Spain’s Dominance and Other Fixtures
Earlier in the day, Spain secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria, earning their spot in the round of 16. Spain, the reigning European champions, had not won a World Cup knockout stage match since 2010 when they won the tournament. They advanced through Group H with two wins and a draw.
Austria had not progressed past the group stage of a World Cup since 1954. Despite some upsets in the tournament, Spain proved too strong for the Austrian side. The winner of the Portugal versus Croatia match is set to face Spain in the next round.
Another match scheduled for the day was Switzerland against Algeria. Switzerland has been in strong form, not losing in their last nine matches under manager Murat Yakin. Algeria has not defeated a European team in the World Cup since 1982. The winner of this match will play against either Colombia or Ghana in the round of 16.
Veterans on the World Stage
Both Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modrić, are veterans participating in what could be their final World Cup. Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading men’s goal scorer at the World Cup, is seeking to fill the gap of a World Cup title in his decorated career. He has not played against top-flight competition since moving to Saudi Arabia’s domestic league in 2023.
Modrić, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, won the player of the tournament award at the 2018 World Cup, where Croatia reached the final. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. At the 2022 World Cup, Modrić led Croatia to the semifinals and received the Bronze Ball award. He is currently playing with AC Milan and was expected to return for the World Cup after breaking a cheekbone in April. For one of these players, their World Cup career will conclude after this match.
Portugal is considered the favorite to advance against Croatia, despite having settled for the second spot in Group K with draws against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia. Croatia is not currently near the top of the world rankings and is not expected to finish in the top three as they did in the previous two World Cups.
The match between Switzerland and Algeria is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET.
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Source: nbcnews.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.