Soccer
Portugal vs. Croatia player ratings: Who stood out most in round of 32 classic?
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Portugal produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat Croatia 2–1 in Toronto and book a Round of 16 meeting with Spain.
Ivan Perišić's composed 53rd-minute finish had Croatia ahead against the run of play, but Cristiano Ronaldo's 68th-minute penalty dragged Portugal level before substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home the winner at 90+4'.
Rafael Leão proved the catalyst throughout, striking the crossbar with a curling effort and delivering the pinpoint cross for the decisive goal as Portugal's quality off the bench made the difference.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Portugal vs. Croatia Player of the Match
Rafael Leão (Portugal)
Hit the crossbar with a curling effort and delivered the pinpoint cross for Gonçalo Ramos's winning header.
Portugal vs. Croatia Player Ratings
Portugal
Diogo Costa (7.7): Crucial double save on Kovačić kept Portugal alive during Croatia's pressure.
João Cancelo (6.5): Regular involvement in build-up but crosses lacked decisive penetration.
Rúben Dias (7.3): Anchored the defence with key clearances; booked for tactical foul on Budimir.
Renato Veiga (6.7): Missed header unmarked but won crucial penalty; late effort grazed post.
Nuno Mendes (7.0): Provided width and delivered corner that led to winning goal.
João Neves (6.8): Won possession frequently and shielded defence with disciplined positioning.
Vitinha (6.6): Controlled first-phase build-up but rarely drove forward; replaced at 62'.
Pedro Neto (6.7): Threatened with dribbling; played superb pass for Ronaldo's disallowed goal.
Bruno Fernandes (6.5): Early chance saved by Livaković; follow-up blocked on the line.
Rafael Leão (8.2): Struck crossbar with curling effort; delivered cross for winning header.
Cristiano Ronaldo (7.5): Converted penalty to equalise; earlier finish ruled out for offside.
Bernardo Silva (6.4): Entered at 62' to add creative spark; took armband after Ronaldo departed.
Francisco Conceição (6.3): Fresh legs on the right; late shot missed as Portugal held on.
Nélson Semedo (6.5): Provided defensive solidity after entering; protected ball well in added time.
Gonçalo Ramos (7.9): Rose between defenders to head home winner; decisive impact from bench.
Rúben Neves (6.2): Late introduction to reinforce midfield; helped maintain shape in frantic finish.
Croatia
Dominik Livakovic (6.6): Early save on Bruno Fernandes kept Croatia level; beaten by penalty and header.
Josip Stanisic (6.4): Delivered cross leading to Perišić's opener; tested repeatedly by Portugal's left side.
Josip Sutalo (6.1): Blocked Bruno Fernandes' follow-up on the line; struggled with late aerial threat.
Marin Pongracic (6.2): Committed throughout but beaten in the air by Ramos for winner.
Ivan Perišić (7.3): Composed left-footed finish opened scoring; booked late for pushing Rúben Dias.
Mateo Kovacic (7.0): Twice denied by Diogo Costa at 76'; drove forward with real energy.
Luka Modrić (6.4): Struggled for influence in first half; booked for foul on Vitinha.
Petar Sučić (6.7): Forced save from Costa; goal disallowed for offside at 80'.
Nikola Vlašić (5.7): Conceded decisive penalty with foul on Veiga; error proved costly.
Martin Baturina (5.8): Limited impact before substitution at 68'; struggled against Portugal's pressing.
Ante Budimir (5.7): Two headers neither troubling Costa; replaced at half-time for Matanović.
Igor Matanovic (6.2): Involved in build-up for opener; denied by brilliant Costa save from close range.
Mario Pašalić (6.0): Headed wide at 79'; offside position led to late goal disallowed.
Josko Gvardiol (5.4): Beaten by Ramos for winner moments after entering; bundled finish ruled out.
Andrej Kramaric (5.7): Entered at 90+6' with minimal time to influence proceedings.
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