TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match when Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at BMO Field in Toronto, United States, on Friday, Indonesian time.
According to FIFA's official website, as quoted by ANTARA, the 41-year-old player became the oldest goal scorer in the knockout stage history, surpassing his 39-year-old friend and teammate, Pepe.
Ronaldo set the record in his ninth appearance in the World Cup knockout stage. The Portugal striker and captain scored from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after the referee awarded Portugal a penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review for a Croatian foul in the box.
The goal changed the score to 1-1 and raised the spirits of Portugal who had previously been behind. Throughout the match, Ronaldo threatened the Croatian defense several times. He missed a chance in the first half and was also adjudged to be in an offside position early in the second half.
After executing his penalty-taking duties to perfection, Ronaldo remained a threat to Croatia's back line before being replaced by Ruben Neves in the 81st minute as part of a tactical refresh carried out by coach Roberto Martinez.
Despite their captain having left the pitch, Portugal maintained their pressure until the end of the match. Their efforts paid off in stoppage time when Rafael Leao delivered a pass that Goncalo Ramos finished off in the 90+4 minute.
Croatia had a late equaliser, but it was ruled out after a VAR review for offside, leaving Portugal with a 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
The victory ensured Portugal's progress to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Next, the Seleccao das Quinas will face their Iberian Peninsula rivals, Spain, on Tuesday, July 7, Indonesian time, in what is expected to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament's knockout phase.
Read: 2026 World Cup: Portugal Seal Dramatic Win Over Croatia in Round of 32
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