Portugal achieves a historic feat at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, defeating Croatia 2-1 in Toronto thanks to a sensational goal by Gonçalo Ramos in the 94th minute. The Portuguese national team, trailing by a goal for most of the match, found the strength to come back and qualify for the round of 16 in an unforgettable evening. Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead, taking advantage of a moment of difficulty in the Portuguese defense and seeming to direct the match towards success for the Balkans.
The equalizer came from the penalty spot with Cristiano Ronaldo, cold and precise, who brought the match back into balance and sparked the hope of his teammates. The match was a physical and tactical battle, played at a high pace in the Toronto arena, with both teams looking for the winning goal until their last breath. The decisive turning point materialized in the final recovery.
Gonçalo Ramos, Milan's new signing, was the right man at the right time, receiving the ball in the area and piercing the opposing goalkeeper for the final 2-1. The young striker's goal sparked celebrations in the stands and confirmed the value of a squad that never gives up. Croatia tried to react, but time ran out doomed the ambitions of Perisic and his teammates.
Tactically, the match highlighted a clear evolution for Portugal compared to previous editions. After a first half in which Croatia controlled the pace and exploited defensive amnesia, the Lusitanian coach spent his men forward, forcing the opponents to retreat. The incessant pressure wore down the Balkan line of four, creating the gaps necessary for the final incursion.
It wasn't just a heartfelt victory, but a demonstration of adaptability: Portugal knew how to suffer when needed and strike when the opponent lost concentration, a mix of cynicism and beauty that rewards teams that win trophies. On an individual level, the synergy between the historic captain and the new star is the real treasure that has emerged from Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite no longer being a locomotive for 90 minutes, remained the point of reference for the spot, while Ramos provided the raw energy and speed that was missing.
This handover on the pitch, symbolized by the goal of the young ex-Benfica player, suggests that Portugal has built a team capable of competing at a high level even beyond the CR7 era. Minute management and impact from the bench will be key factors in the coming games, but the signal sent is unequivocal: the future is already here. Portugal presented itself at these World Cups with a new identity, built on a mix of experience and youth.
The Portuguese squad, led by Ronaldo who is still decisive in key moments, has shown that they know how to manage pressure and transform emergencies into opportunities. Croatia, on the other hand, paid the price for a defense that was too exposed and an attitude that was too confident after the initial lead. The Balkans, accustomed to high-level matches, saw a victory that seemed obvious slip away, paying the price for defensive errors in an increasingly physical and tactical game context.
Ramos' goal in the 94th minute was not just an isolated episode, but the fruit of a week of targeted tactical work. Portugal worked on quick transitions and the use of second balls, elements that allowed them to strike at the right time. Croatia, on the other hand, paid for the lack of a real playmaker capable of dictating the tempo, relying too much on Perisic and Brozovic for creation, but without finding the definitive solution.
Portugal is now preparing for the round of 16 match, with confidence skyrocketing after this cinematic comeback. The opponent awaiting the Portuguese side will have to deal with a confident team and a Ramos in a state of grace. Croatia, on the other hand, must deal with the elimination and analyze the errors that cost them dearly in a match dominated at times but lost in the final minutes.
"This victory gives us an edge" declared the Portugal coach. "We have shown that we know how to manage difficult moments and that we have the right composure to close games. " Portugal is now preparing for the round of 16 match, with confidence skyrocketing after this cinematic comeback.
The opponent awaiting the Portuguese side will have to deal with a confident team and a Ramos in a state of grace. Croatia, on the other hand, must deal with the elimination and analyze the errors that cost them dearly in a match dominated at times but lost in the final minutes. Read at Sky Sport Italia
Why this matters
Portugal's victory at the 2026 FIBA World Cup is not just a sporting result, but the confirmation of a winning mentality capable of overcoming unlikely adversities. Eliminating a national team of Croatia's caliber with a last-second comeback sends a strong signal to the entire tournament: Portugal is a serious candidate for the title. The emergence of Gonçalo Ramos as a match winner, combined with the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo, creates a devastating attacking duo that promises spectacle and results in the knockout stages. This match also marks the passing of the generational baton: Portugal is no longer just Ronaldo, but a team with more solutions and the ability to win in different ways, both with the class of the captain and with the determination of the youth.
Frequently asked
Who scored the decisive goal for Portugal?
Gonçalo Ramos, Milan's new signing, was the author of the decisive goal in the 94th minute which allowed Portugal to overturn the result and beat Croatia 2-1.
How did the match between Portugal and Croatia end?
The match ended with a score of 2-1 for Portugal, who made a historic comeback after falling behind to Ivan Perisic's opening goal.
Where was the Portugal-Croatia match played?
The match was played in Toronto, home of the match valid for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, where Portugal faced and beat Croatia in a memorable evening.
What did Cristiano Ronaldo do in the match?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the temporary 1-1 goal by converting a decisive penalty, allowing Portugal to overcome the initial deficit and stay in the match.
What's next for Portugal?
With the success against Croatia, Portugal gained access to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIBA World Cup, continuing its journey in the tournament.
What was the decisive tactical factor for Portugal?
The incessant pressure in the second half and the ability to exploit second balls wore Croatia down, creating the opening for Ramos' winning goal in the 94th minute.
