Portugal player ratings vs Croatia: Cristiano Ronaldo finally scores first World Cup knockout goal but super-sub Goncalo Ramos steals show

Portugal booked their place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto, where Goncalo Ramos came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had finally ended his World Cup knockout scoring drought.

Croatia looked on course for a famous victory after Ivan Perisic opened the scoring early in the second half, but Portugal responded through Ronaldo’s penalty before Ramos headed home the decisive goal late on. A lengthy VAR review then denied Croatia an injury-time equaliser for offside, sending Roberto Martinez’s side into a blockbuster showdown with Spain.

Here are GOAL’s player ratings for Portugal.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (8/10)

Produced several outstanding saves to keep Portugal alive after Croatia took control early in the second half. Had no chance with Perisic’s strike and commanded his area well throughout.

Joao Cancelo (6/10)

Delivered several dangerous crosses in the opening period but allowed Perisic too much room for Croatia’s opener.

Ruben Dias (5/10)

An uncomfortable evening for the centre-back. Picked up an early booking and struggled whenever Croatia attacked with pace.

Renato Veiga (8/10)

Portugal’s best defender. Won countless aerial duels, made several vital recoveries and also won the penalty that brought Portugal level.

Nuno Mendes (7/10)

Another energetic display down the left. Balanced his defensive responsibilities well while providing a consistent outlet in possession.

Midfield

Joao Neves (7/10)

Covered every blade of grass and repeatedly broke up Croatia’s attacks. Another mature performance from the young midfielder.

Vitinha (6/10)

Kept possession ticking over but lacked his usual creativity in the final third.

Bruno Fernandes (5/10)

Failed to influence proceedings and struggled to find space between Croatia’s midfield lines. Quiet by his high standards.

Attack

Rafael Leao (7/10)

His decision-making frustrated at times, but he never stopped running at defenders. Finally delivered a superb cross for Ramos’ dramatic winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10)

Had a brilliantly taken goal ruled out for offside before calmly converting from the penalty spot to score his first-ever World Cup knockout goal. Didn’t have his sharpest overall performance but stepped up when Portugal needed him.

Pedro Neto (5/10)

Worked hard without ever seriously threatening Croatia’s defence and was replaced after an ineffective display.

Subs

Goncalo Ramos (9/10)

The game-changer. Injected fresh energy into Portugal’s attack and capped his cameo with a superb stoppage-time header that sealed qualification.

Francisco Conceicao (7/10)

Added directness and stretched Croatia’s tiring defence after coming on.

Bernardo Silva (6/10)

Helped Portugal retain possession during the closing stages and brought valuable composure.

Joao Palhinha (6/10)

Provided defensive security as Portugal protected their late lead.

Nelson Semedo (N/A)

Too little time on the pitch to earn a rating.