Portugal are still alive at the World Cup after a tense 2-1 victory over Croatia, a match shaped by late drama, VAR controversy and the emotional contrast between two former Real Madrid teammates.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the dream continues.

For Luka Modric, it was almost certainly the final act of a remarkable World Cup career.

Portugal survive late chaos

According to TV 2 Sport, Portugal’s victory over Croatia became one of the major stories from a dramatic night at the World Cup.

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Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic in the 53rd minute, before Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

Gonçalo Ramos then decided the match in stoppage time, heading Portugal into a 2-1 lead and seemingly ending Croatia’s resistance.

But the drama was not finished.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time deep into added time, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR check for offside. According to NBC Sports, Josko Gvardiol’s late effort was overturned because Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up.

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A painful farewell for Modric

The final whistle left two of the game’s great survivors on opposite sides of the same story.

Ronaldo’s World Cup continues, while Modric’s tournament is over after another narrow Croatian heartbreak.

The two shared six seasons together at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles and forming part of one of the most successful club sides of the modern era.

That history made the scene after the match especially poignant. Ronaldo took time to acknowledge Modric on the pitch, a quiet gesture between two players who have spent almost two decades at the highest level of the game.

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There was no need for grand theatre. The moment carried enough weight on its own.

Switzerland also move on

Elsewhere, Switzerland booked their place in the next round with a composed 2-0 win over Algeria.

According to The Guardian, Johan Manzambi played a key role in the Swiss victory, setting up Breel Embolo’s early opener before Dan Ndoye added the second goal after half-time.

The result continued Switzerland’s impressive tournament and ended Algeria’s campaign at the Round of 32 stage.

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Ronaldo marches on

Portugal will now turn their attention to the next round, where the level of difficulty will only rise.

Ronaldo may no longer decide every match on his own, but his presence continues to define Portugal’s World Cup story. Against Croatia, he scored, suffered, celebrated and watched another veteran great walk away from the tournament.

For Modric, the night ended in pain.

For Ronaldo, it brought one more chance.

Read also: Head coach Dalić left heartbroken as Croatia fall in added-time drama