Ronaldo Becomes Oldest World Cup Knockout Player as Portugal, Croatia Stay 0-0

Q: Ronaldo versus Modric: Will this World Cup clash be a final masterclass or a legend’s last stand on the world stage?

It looks more like a legend’s last stand, with the possibility of one last decisive flourish. The facts point that way. Cristiano Ronaldo is 41, Luka Modric 40, and both are widely expected to be in their final World Cups. This Round of 32 tie in Toronto guarantees that one of them leaves the tournament tonight, and likely leaves the World Cup stage for good. Their longevity is extraordinary, but the match arrives with clear signs that neither is operating at his peak over 90 minutes. Ronaldo still carries Portugal’s attacking spotlight and has already made history by scoring in six World Cups, but his group-stage form has been uneven and scrutiny remains over his lack of a World Cup knockout goal contribution. Modric remains Croatia’s emotional and tactical reference point, yet he too has shown the strain of age, even while still producing key moments, including an assist against Ghana. That is why this game is less likely to be decided by a solo vintage performance than by the teams around them. Both camps have framed it as a midfield battle, and that feels accurate: Portugal’s deeper creative options and Croatia’s control through Modric, Kovacic and company may matter more than either icon dominating the match alone. Still, writing off either man would be risky. Ronaldo can still turn one chance into a goal; Modric can still control a spell with one pass or one tempo shift. The likeliest reading is a last stand with flashes of masterclass.

Q: Portugal dominates their history, but Croatia won the last meeting. Can they finally break the curse when it truly matters?

Yes—Croatia can break it when it matters, but only if they turn this into the kind of tight, attritional knockout game they usually thrive in. Portugal’s historical edge is clear: seven wins, two draws and only one defeat in 10 meetings. They also beat Croatia in a major knockout before, 1-0 after extra time at Euro 2016. That is why Portugal still enter as slight favorites, with fan voting and model projections both leaning their way. But the gap is not large. Croatia’s only win in the series came recently, in a 2-1 friendly in June 2024, and another recent meeting ended level. More importantly, Croatia’s modern World Cup record suggests they are built for high-pressure matches better than almost anyone: finalists in 2018, third in 2022, and repeatedly effective in tense knockout ties. That matters more than old head-to-head numbers. The matchup itself favors a narrow margin. Both camps expect a midfield battle, with Luka Modric still central to Croatia’s control and rhythm, while Portugal rely on Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and their possession game behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal have more attacking depth, but they were not fully convincing in the group stage, drawing twice and showing some defensive vulnerability. So the “curse” is real statistically, but not decisive. If Croatia keep the game close, slow Portugal’s midfield, and drag the match into extra time or penalties, this is probably their best chance yet to beat Portugal in a match of real consequence.

Q: With powerhouse Spain awaiting, is tonight's winner simply advancing to a much tougher test in the anticipated Iberian Derby?

Yes. Whether it is Portugal or Croatia, the next round is likely to be a significantly harder assignment because Spain are widely expected to reach the Last 16 and arrive as one of the tournament’s strongest sides. That is especially true if Portugal advances, because it would set up the anticipated Iberian Derby. Spain are heavy favorites against Austria and have been described as one of the best-balanced teams in the field, with a particularly strong defensive record. By contrast, Portugal-Croatia is viewed as much more even: Portugal are only a slight favorite, and the match has been framed as a tight midfield contest between two experienced, tactically disciplined teams. For Portugal, a meeting with Spain would carry extra weight beyond the bracket. The rivalry is one of international football’s oldest, and Spain hold the historical edge with 17 wins to Portugal’s 6 in 41 meetings. Spain have also knocked Portugal out of major tournaments before, including the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, although Portugal did beat Spain in the 2025 Nations League final on penalties. If Croatia wins, the challenge is still arguably steeper. Croatia’s pedigree in knockout football is strong, but Spain’s overall depth, recent form and status as a title contender would make them a tougher opponent than Portugal or Croatia are for each other tonight. So tonight’s winner is not just surviving a balanced Round of 32 tie; they are probably moving on to one of the bracket’s most demanding tests.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 2

Cristiano Ronaldo set the record as the oldest player to appear in a World Cup knockout match during Portugal's round-of-32 meeting with Croatia in Toronto.
0-0 at the first hydration break, the match remained tense as two European heavyweights fought for a place in the round of 16.
Portugal created early pressure, but Ronaldo missed a free kick and Croatia's goalkeeper denied another chance.
The winner will play Spain in Dallas on July 6, in what could be the final World Cup appearance for either Ronaldo or Croatia captain Luka Modric.