Tomas Ribeiro Sleeps on Couch After Portugal's 2-1 Win Over Croatia

Q: After their dramatic win, can Portugal now overcome historic rival Spain in the World Cup's Round of 16?

Yes — Portugal can beat Spain, but Spain enters the Round of 16 as the slight favorite. Portugal arrives with momentum after its 2-1 win over Croatia on July 2, sealed by Gonçalo Ramos’ late goal. Roberto Martínez’s side has depth, experience and match-winners across the pitch, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves and Rafael Leão giving Portugal the technical quality to compete with any team. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, remains a major presence, even if Portugal no longer depends entirely on him. Spain, however, looks more complete so far in this tournament. The European champion has not conceded a goal yet and advanced with a 3-0 win over Austria. Luis de la Fuente’s team combines control in midfield through Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz with pace and creativity from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. On current form, Spain has been the more convincing side. History also leans toward Spain. In 41 previous meetings, Spain has 18 wins to Portugal’s 7, with 16 draws. Spain also beat Portugal in the 2010 World Cup and at Euro 2012. But the recent rivalry is much tighter: over the last eight meetings, each side has won twice and four ended level. Portugal’s penalty win over Spain in the 2024-25 Nations League final is a reminder that the gap is narrow. So Portugal has a real chance, especially if its midfield controls the game and Ramos, Leão or Ronaldo are decisive. But based on tournament form, Spain remains the marginal favorite in Arlington on July 6.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 5

Portugal defender Tomas Ribeiro ended up on the couch after his side's 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia triggered a pre-match bet with girlfriend Ana Maria Markovic.
Markovic had posted on Instagram before the game, "Someone’s sleeping on the couch tonight," alongside photos of the couple in opposing national-team jerseys.
The loss was doubly painful for Markovic, 26, who said she was the only Croatia supporter in a bar packed with Portugal fans as the teams watched the match.
Portugal's victory sent Ribeiro's team into the Round of 16, while Markovic's Croatia exited and she later appeared to confirm she had the bed to herself.