Overview
- Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a 94th‑minute winner and Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to register his first World Cup knockout goal.
- FIFA said data from the adidas Trionda connected ball showed a faint touch by Igor Matanović in the build-up so VAR overturned Croatia’s 103rd‑minute leveller and the goal was ruled out.
- The VAR verdict prompted fan unrest in the stadium, with supporters throwing bottles and delaying the match finish after the late decision was announced.
- Spain advanced with a 3-0 win over Austria and will meet Portugal in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Arlington, while Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to record its first World Cup knockout victory since 1938.
- The outcome highlights two tournament trends: new match‑control technology now plays a decisive on‑field role and the expanded 48‑team format makes single moments more likely to swing who remains in the competition.