Cristiano Ronaldo Finally Breaks World Cup Knockout Curse in Portugal’s Win Over Croatia
Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into World Cup history once again on Thursday, becoming the oldest player ever to score a goal in a World Cup knockout match as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 in Toronto.
At 41 years and 146 days old, Ronaldo became the oldest player in history to score in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, also becoming the oldest player to feature in the knockout stage. The moment carried extra weight given his long wait for this milestone — it came just over 20 years after his World Cup debut, marking his first-ever knockout stage goal at the tournament.
🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot for Portugal against Croatia.
— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) July 3, 2026
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How it happened
Croatia broke the deadlock in the second half through Ivan Perisic, who converted after being played in by Josip Stanisic. Portugal struggled to find a way through despite dominating possession for large stretches of the match. Ronaldo thought he had leveled the score with a clever finish over goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Portuguese talisman didn’t have to wait long for another chance. Portugal were awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the 68th minute, and Ronaldo stepped up to convert it. Substitute Goncalo Ramos then sealed the win late on, rising above the Croatian defense to net the winner and send Portugal through to the Round of 16.
A long time coming
The goal ended a notably barren run for Ronaldo in knockout football at the World Cup. He had gone into the match having attempted 29 shots across eight World Cup knockout games without scoring, a tally tied for the most of any player since 1966. Had he been denied once again, he would have joined former Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt among forwards with the most knockout appearances without a goal in World Cup history. The result also continues a remarkable statistical streak for Ronaldo. His goal marked a record-setting achievement of scoring in six different World Cup tournaments.
Records on both sides
Thursday’s fixture was historic in more ways than one. Luka Modric started and captained Croatia at 40 years and 296 days old, meaning the match marked the first time two outfield players over the age of 40 have played against each other at a World Cup. The appearance was also Ronaldo’s 26th World Cup match, moving him within one game of matching former Germany midfielder Lothar Matthäus for the second-most World Cup appearances by any player, behind only Lionel Messi’s 29.
What’s next
With Portugal having finished second in Group K, they were placed on a tougher path through the knockout stages. Their win over Croatia sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against fellow European heavyweights Spain, in a game that promises another stern test for Ronaldo and company as they push for a first World Cup title.