Portugal survive late drama to edge past Croatia

Goncalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner and Josko Gvardiol had an equaliser controversially disallowed as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling World Cup last-32 contest in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout goal had cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener in a contest that saw four efforts ruled out for offside, including what would have been a goal of the tournament contender for the 41-year-old Ronaldo.

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Nikola Vlasic heads Croatia into second spot with late winner against Ghana

Nikola Vlasic scored late to earn Croatia a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia and ensure a second-place finish behind England in Group L and a meeting with Portugal. Both sides were in strong positions going into their final group game and both have progressed to the last 32, despite Ghana being denied second spot by Vlasic’s late finish, though the result also confirmed Scotland’s elimination.

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Ante Budimir on the mark as Croatia eliminate Panama

Luka Modric’s 200th appearance for Croatia ended in a 1-0 victory over Panama as they kept their World Cup campaign alive. Substitute Ante Budimir supplied the decisive touch, grabbing the only goal early in the second half as Panama’s hopes of qualification were ended.

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England turn on style to see off Croatia

Harry Kane’s brace helped England to a pulsating 4-2 victory against Croatia as Thomas Tuchel’s side made a breathless start to their quest for World Cup glory. The back-to-back European Championship finalists are among the favourites for glory in North America and played out a helter-skelter Group L opener at the Dallas Cowboys’ remarkable AT&T Stadium.

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Mattia Zaccagni strikes at death to crush Croatia sending Italy into last 16

Mattia Zaccagni scored in the final minute of stoppage time as Italy broke Croatia’s hearts with a late equaliser that ensures the defending champions progress to the last 16 of Euro 2024. Luka Modric had thought he had won it for Croatia to send them through as runners-up in Group B when he slammed a shot into the roof of the net early in the second half. However Zaccagni struck with virtually the last kick of the game to change the complexion of the group.

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