Portugal winning by a thread yesterday was absolutely diabolical

We saw pure, unadulterated drama of knockout football, go down at Toronto Stadium yesterday. It was supposed to be a tactical chess match, a deeply emotional narrative battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić in what is likely the final World Cup run for both legends.

Instead, it turned into an absolute heart-stopper. Portugal took a leap of faith and somehow managed to keep the glorious dream alive

For the better part of the game, Croatia executed their game plan to absolute perfection. They choked out the midfield, owned the midfield, and broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perišić capitalised on that defensive lapse to slam in a clinical opener.

With everyone emotionally already backing Portugal, sportsbooks were live-adjusting lines into massive plus-money territory as panic set in. But luck and a lot of effort had its way in the match

At the 68th Minute, Portugal won a high-pressure penalty after relentless attacking pressure. Up stepped Cristiano Ronaldo. With the weight of an entire nation and his final World Cup legacy on his shoulders, he swung in a centered ball outwitting the keeper to level the match.

But just as fans and bettors were bracing themselves for a grueling 30 minutes of extra time, Gonçalo Ramos etched his name into Portuguese history. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Ramos connected with a brilliant cross to send the stadium into utter pandemonium, sealing a dramatic 2-1 regulation win.

Croatia did all they could to get back on track but somehow they lost the kiss of luck.

By surviving Croatia’s masterclass, Portugal hasn't just advanced; they have set up the biggest blockbuster match of the tournament so far. Portugal will face structural rivals Spain in a massive Round of 16 clash on Monday, July 6, at Dallas Stadium.

A match to look out for