Portugal survived one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, beating Croatia 2-1 to book their last 16 clash against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot, but it was Goncalo Ramos who scored the decisive winner in stoppage time in Toronto.The result sent Portugal through, but the post-match conversation quickly moved away from the scoreline. FIFA’s decision to name Ronaldo as Man of the Match left many supporters questioning whether the award should have gone to the player who scored the winning goal instead.
Goncalo Ramos seals victory for Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA award steals the limelight
Croatia looked set for a memorable result after Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock early in the second half. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who calmly converted a penalty to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout match and bring his side back into the competition.When extra time looked certain, Goncalo Ramos rose in the box to head home the winner in stoppage time. Croatia believed they had forced extra time afterwards, but Josko Gvardiol’s equalizer was ruled out after VAR determined Mario Pasalic was offside following a slight touch by Igor Matanovic in the build-up.The win also carried an emotional weight for Portugal, with players honoring late team-mate Diogo Jota after the final whistle. Roberto Martinez praised the character of his team, saying: “The World Cup started today for us. We played with pride, represented the shirt. We showed personality after we fell. This is a very special team and a very special day for Diogo (Jota). I am happy and proud. Now we have to think about the next game.“
Fans question FIFA’s choice after Ronaldo receives yet another award
Although Ronaldo celebrated another personal milestone, many fans felt that the Man of the Match award did not reflect the overall performance on the pitch. The 41-year-old equalized from the penalty spot before being substituted, while Ramos produced the goal that ultimately decided the match.Online reactions quickly focused on FIFA’s decision. One fan wrote: “On top of penalties and who won the match for them? The FIFA selection is crazy. He only has one sho.” Another posted, “THE REAL MAN OF THE MATCH WINNER. GONCALO RAMOS.”Others argued that Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa or Ramos had stronger performances in the 90 minutes. One supporter wrote: “Sorry but what? What the f*** did he do?” while another added: “How stupid is this!” Another fan said: “Cristiano Ronaldo, the man who won the match, is a disgrace to the establishment.”The debate also drew comparisons to previous World Cup tournaments. One fan wrote: “I loved him more than any other player, but this is like when Messi won the world cup, he didn’t do anything in the game, but I gave him man of the match.”The award will not change Portugal’s biggest success of the night. Ramos’ latest header secured a place in the Round of 16, where Portugal will meet Spain in one of the most anticipated knockout games of the tournament.
