In the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/photo/fifa-world-cup-2026-breel-embolo-dan-ndoye-score-crucial-goals-as-switzerland-leads-the-clash-with-2-0-against-algeria-111871/1" rel="nofollow">FIFA World Cup 2026</a> match against Croatia, Portugal secured a victory at the BC Place Vancouver in Canada.
During the match, Croatia's two goals were ruled out for offside, including a goal-scoring equaliser in stoppage time.
When asked after the match if Croatia had been robbed of a second goal by (Video Assistant Referee) VAR, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-head-coach-roberto-martinez-reflects-on-portugal-draw-against-dr-congo-23635709" rel="nofollow">Portugal's head coach Roberto Martinez</a> defended it saying that there were no bad decisions made.
"There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate. The chip ball showed that it was offside, the penalty was also clear. I understand the work of (Croatia coach Zlatko) Dalic in this team and it is a shame that there was only one winner today," he said as quoted by Reuters.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/photo/fifa-world-cup-2026-portugal-cristiano-ronaldo-etches-his-name-in-history-books-against-croatia-111873/1" rel="nofollow">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>-led men will now lock horns with Spain in the round of 16. Speaking ahead of the clash, Martinez labelled it as "European game of this World Cup".
"We respect the quality of Spain. I think it is going to be a fantastic match, it is going to be the European game of this World Cup," he said.
The head coach also joked about the emotional toll of Portugal's dramatic knockout victory. "I have lost my hair through this, but I think it is worth it," the Portugal coach remarked.
During the match, Ronaldo scored a crucial goal in the 68th minute of the game through a penalty. With this, the 41-year-old footballer entered history books by becoming the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup's knockout match. He achieved the feat at the age of 41 years and 147 days.
Additionally, this was also Ronaldo's first-ever goal in a knockout match, who is featuring in his sixth FIFA World Cup.
Later, Goncalo Ramos showcased a perfect header in the fourth minute of stoppage time to help <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/portugal-advance-in-world-cup-thanks-to-last-gasp-ramos-winner-23637988" rel="nofollow">Portugal</a> cruise to a dominant victory.
<h2>FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal vs Spain: Date and venue</h2>
The round of 16 clash between Portugal and Spain is scheduled to be played on July 7 at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. The title clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played on July 20 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
(With ANI Inputs)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo-led men will now lock horns with Spain in round of 16. Roberto Martinez labelled it as "European game of this World Cup"

FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal's head coach Roberto Martinez defends VAR decisions during clash against Croatia

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Cristiano Ronaldo-led men will now lock horns with Spain in the round of 16. Speaking ahead of the clash, Martinez labelled it as "European game of this World Cup"

FIFA World Cup 2026 | ‘No bad decisions’: Roberto Martinez defends VAR after Portugal's victory

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / FIFA World Cup 2026 | ‘No bad decisions’: Roberto Martinez defends VAR after Portugal's victory