Tag · 62 articles
With the World Cup quarter-finals approaching, an analysis of all 360 penalties taken in 39 shootouts since 1982 reveals key trends. Argentina leads with six wins in seven shootouts, while the Netherlands and Spain share a record four defeats. Players going central have a lower success rate, and teams kicking first have historically had a slight edge.
Zlatko Dalic has resigned as Croatia's head coach after nine years, following their World Cup exit. He led the team to the 2018 World Cup final and third place in 2022, but recent tournaments ended early. The federation thanked him for his contributions.
Portugal have qualified for the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout stages. Croatia have been eliminated.
Cristiano Ronaldo was officially awarded the FIFA Man of the Match for the Portugal vs Croatia match.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Luka Modrić after their teams faced off, saying it's great to see him still playing at a top level and wishing him luck for the future.
A controversial VAR decision using Snickometer-style technology denied Croatia a stoppage-time equalizer against Portugal, ending Luka Modric's World Cup journey while Cristiano Ronaldo's continues. The call sparked fan protests and debate over technology's role in football.
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in Toronto, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos, to advance to the World Cup last 16 where they will face Spain.
Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, denying Croatia an equaliser against Portugal in their World Cup knockout match in Toronto.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot to equalize for Portugal against Croatia in their round of 32 match in Toronto.
Cristiano Ronaldo had an equalising goal disallowed for offside during Portugal's round of 32 game against Croatia in Toronto.
A year after Diogo Jota's death in a car accident, Portugal's national team honors his memory at the World Cup. Players wear wristbands with his name, and Ruben Neves reveals he still messages Jota on WhatsApp. The team faces Croatia in the round of 16, aiming to win the tournament for him.
Croatia and Portugal face off in the World Cup Round of 32 in Toronto, potentially marking the final major tournament match for either Luka Modric or Cristiano Ronaldo. The two former Real Madrid teammates, both aged 40, have hinted at international retirement, adding emotional weight to the clash.
Matchday 22 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 features a triple-header with Portugal vs Croatia, Spain vs Austria, and Switzerland vs Algeria. Global stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Lamine Yamal headline the action as teams vie for Round of 16 berths.
At 40, Luka Modric remains a key player for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup. His personal trainer reveals a rigorous 45-minute daily workout, injury prevention focus, and exceptional cognitive skills that allow him to outpace younger opponents.
Portugal and Croatia are set to clash in the World Cup Round of 32. This preview covers team form, key players, and tactical insights ahead of the knockout-stage encounter.
The Portugal vs Croatia match may be the first World Cup game with two outfield players aged over 40, highlighting a unique milestone in tournament history.
With the 2026 World Cup adding a round of 32, penalty shootouts are expected to increase. Analysis of 320 spot-kicks since 1982 shows Argentina leads with six shootout wins, while Spain holds the record for most misses. Players going central score at a lower rate (61.6%) than those picking a side (over 71%).
Luka Modrić, at age 40, delivered an assist for Croatia in a recent match, continuing his enduring impact on the national team.
Luka Modrić delivered another assist in a historic World Cup moment for Croatia, becoming the oldest assist provider in tournament history across five World Cups.
Petar Sucić was officially awarded Man of the Match for Croatia in their match against Ghana.
