Vinay Kumar
Portugal survived one of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, beating Croatia 2-1 to book a last 16 clash against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot, but it was Goncalo Ramos who delivered the decisive stoppage time winner in Toronto.The result sent Portugal through, yet the post match conversation quickly shifted away from the scoreline. FIFA’s decision to name Ronaldo as Man of the Match left many supporters questioning whether the award should have gone to the player who scored the winning goal instead.
Goncalo Ramos seals Portugal’s win as Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA award steals the spotlight
Croatia looked set to pull off a memorable result after Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock early in the second half. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who calmly converted a penalty to score his first ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and bring his side back into the contest.Just when extra time seemed certain, Goncalo Ramos rose inside the box to head home the winner deep into stoppage time. Croatia believed they had forced extra time moments later, but Josko Gvardiol’s equalizer was ruled out after VAR determined that Mario Pasalic had been offside following a slight touch from Igor Matanovic in the buildup.The victory also carried emotional weight for Portugal, with the players honoring late teammate Diogo Jota after the final whistle. Roberto Martinez praised his squad’s character, saying, “The World Cup began today for us. We played with pride, represented the shirt. We showed personality after we fell behind. This is a very special team and a very special day because of Diogo (Jota). I’m satisfied and proud. Now we have to think about the next game.“
Fans question FIFA’s choice after Ronaldo receives another award
Although Ronaldo celebrated another personal milestone, many fans felt the Man of the Match award did not reflect the overall performance on the field. The 41-year-old equalized from the penalty spot before being substituted, while Ramos produced the goal that ultimately decided the match.Online reactions quickly focused on FIFA’s decision. One fan wrote, “On top penalty and who won the match for them? FIFA selection is crazy. He only have one sho.” Another posted, “THE REAL MAN OF THE MATCH WINNER. GONCALO RAMOS.”Others argued that Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa or Ramos had stronger performances across the full 90 minutes. One supporter wrote, “Sorry, but what? What the actual f*** did he do?” while another added, “What nonsense is this!” A different fan commented, “Cristiano Ronaldo winning man of the match is a disgrace to the establishment.”The debate even drew comparisons with 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 didnt do anything in the game but they give 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 tournament’s most anticipated knockout matches.
