Portugal survived one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, beating Croatia 2-1 to book a place in the Round of 16 against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot, but Goncalo Ramos converted the decisive penalty in Toronto.The result was sent through Portugal, but the post-match conversation quickly moved away from the result. FIFA’s decision to name Ronaldo man of the match has left many fans wondering if the award should have gone to the player who scored the winning goal instead.
Goncalo Ramos sealed victory for Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA award drew attention
It seemed that Croatia would achieve a memorable result after Ivan Perišić broke the deadlock early in the second half. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who calmly converted the penalty to score his first goal in a World Cup knockout game and put his side back in the competition.Just when extra time seemed certain, Goncalo Ramos entered the penalty area and headed home the winner deep in stoppage time. Croatia believed they had forced extra-time moments later, but Joško Gvardiol equalized after VAR ruled Mario Pašalić offside following Igor Matanović’s light touch in the build-up.The win also carried an emotional weight for Portugal, with players paying tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota after the final whistle. Roberto Martinez praised his team’s character, saying: “The World Cup started today for us. We played with pride, we represented the shirt. We showed personality after falling behind. This is a very special team and a very special day because of Diogo (Jot). I am satisfied and proud. Now we have to think about the next game.“
Fans are questioning FIFA’s choice after Ronaldo received yet another award
Although Ronaldo celebrated another personal milestone, many fans feel that the man of the match award does not reflect the overall performance on the pitch. The 41-year-old equalized from the penalty spot before being substituted, while Ramos scored what eventually decided the game.Reactions online quickly focused on FIFA’s decision. One fan wrote: “On to the penalty and who won the game for them? FIFA selection is crazy. He only has one sho.” Another posted, “REAL MATCH WINNER MAN. GONCALO RAMOS.”Others argued that Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa or Ramos had stronger performances over the full 90 minutes. One supporter wrote: “Sorry but what? What did he actually do?” while another added, “What nonsense is this!” Another fan commented: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s match winner is an embarrassment to the establishment.”The debate even drew comparisons to previous World Cup tournaments. One fan wrote: “I love 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 they gave him man of the match.”The award will not change Portugal’s biggest achievement of the night. Ramos’ late 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.
