Luka Modrić bows out as Portugal defeats Croatia in World Cup knockout

Croatia and Portugal met in the round of 16 at the Qatar 2022 World Cup in Toronto. Croatia took an early lead through Ivan Perišić, but Portugal equalised with a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and later secured the win with a late Gonçalo Ramos goal. The 2‑1 result eliminated Croatia from the tournament and marked the final World Cup appearance for captain Luka Modrić, who ends a 16‑year international career that included a 2018 final and a 2022 third‑place finish.

Modrić, a five‑time World Cup participant, retired from the competition with more than 170 caps, while Ronaldo continued his quest for a fifth World Cup title. The match was notable for the reunion of the two former Real Madrid teammates, both considered among the most influential players of their generation.