Portugal and Croatia are level at 0–0 at the break in their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 tie at BMO Field in Toronto. The scoreline flatters Croatia. Portugal have dominated possession, nine shots, four corners — and have had the better chances by a significant margin. But Dominik Livaković has been in extraordinary form, and Croatia’s deep defensive block has absorbed everything Portugal have thrown at them so far.
The second half will tell the full story. But after 45 minutes, it is Croatia who will feel the more satisfied.
Portugal vs Croatia is live now on ZEE 5 — stream the second half of this FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 clash live in India with the ZEE5 FIFA Subscription Quarterly Plan at ₹799.
Four Minutes In — and Livaković Was Already the Difference
Portugal nearly settled this in the opening exchanges. Rafael Leão burst down the left flank, picked out Bruno Fernandes with a clever pass inside the box, and Fernandes fired low toward goal. Livaković got down brilliantly to bat it away. The rebound fell straight back to Fernandes. His second attempt, from point-blank range, hit the legs of Marin Pongračić and went wide. Two shots, one moment — Croatia survived both.
That double save in the 4th minute set the tone. Portugal were going to have chances. Livaković was going to be busy.
Ronaldo Looking for One More Moment
Cristiano Ronaldo has been quiet by his standards, but he has had his moments. In the 9th minute, Pedro Neto whipped a dangerous cross from the right, and Ronaldo climbed high at the far post — his contested header drifted just wide. Four minutes after that, Portugal won a free-kick 25 metres out on the left. Ronaldo stood over it in his signature stance. He powered it directly into the wall. Croatia cleared. The crowd exhaled.
Whether the moment comes in the second half remains to be seen. Croatia will know that keeping him contained for the next 45 minutes is no easy task.
Croatia’s Plan Is Working — For Now
Croatia’s defensive structure has been disciplined and compact. They have sat deep, kept their shape, and relied on Livaković to deal with anything that breaks through. In the 33rd minute, Fernandes kept a high ball alive on the edge of the area and forced another tight-angle save — again, Livaković. In the 40th minute, Nuno Mendes drove forward and unleashed a long-range effort that was comfortably blocked by the mass of Croatian bodies in front of the goal.
The one concern for Portugal going into the break is Rúben Dias’s yellow card in the 17th minute. A tactical foul, a booking that now hangs over Portugal’s best defender for the remainder of the match. If Croatia can force a set-piece situation in the second half, that yellow card becomes relevant.
What Needs to Happen
Portugal need a moment of individual quality to break this open. Budimir has been the most dangerous attacker for Croatia in the tournament so far — his pace and directness against is the clearest route to goal. Fernandes has been involved in everything but needs a cleaner connection. Ronaldo needs one more chance, one more delivery.
Croatia needsneed Livaković to continue as he has started — and they need to find a way to carry the ball forward in the second half. They will need to threaten Diogo Costa more in this upcoming half. Sitting back for another 45 minutes will only add to the pressure. If they can steal a counter-attack, this tie could completely change.
The second half is about to begin at BMO Field. Portugal have dominated everything except the scoreboard.
Don’t miss what happens next — Portugal vs Croatia continues live on ZEE 5, India’s official home of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
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