Read for 2 minutesUpdated: July 3, 2026 06:20 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first knockout goal of the World Cup as Portugal drew 32 in the World Cup against Croatia on Thursday evening in Toronto.
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Having scored 11 goals in six editions, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.
The 41-year-old has previously gone eight matches in five World Cups without registering a goal or assist.
Ronaldo converted the chance with his usual composure after bringing down defender Renato Vega in the box at a corner. After a first half where they dominated possession, Portugal appeared to fall behind early in the second when veteran Croatian left-back Ivan Perisic fired in a cross that beat defender Joao Cancelo and goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
In response, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez fielded four substitutes, including mid-field star Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.
Minutes after he equalized for Portugal with a penalty strike, Ronaldo was also sent off in the 81st minute, having missed the golden equalizer due to an off-side position. It was Ronaldo’s third goal of the current edition after scoring twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage. It was the first time the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had been replaced in the quarterfinals this season.
Ronaldo took his tally to 146 international goals in 232 appearances. Ronaldo, who made his Real Madrid debut at the venue in 2009, became the first player to score 25 goals in a European Championship and a World Cup.
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