Iberian derby set as Ronaldo scores first World Cup knockout goal
By Divine Eleeh
Thursday’s Results Send 3 Nations Through The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout race heated up on Thursday night as Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland all advanced to the Round of 16, while Croatia exited in heartbreaking fashion.
Spain 3-0 Austria
Dominant and Decisive Reigning European champions Spain cruised into the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 win over Austria.Mikel Oyarzabal bagged a brace and Pedro Porro added a third to seal it. The result sets up a blockbuster Iberian clash vs Portugal in the next round.
Portugal 2-1 Croatia
VAR Drama + Ronaldo HistoryPortugal survived a thriller in extra time to knock out Croatia. Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot — his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal Goncalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner from a Rafael Leao cross Croatia thought they had won it late through Josko Gvardiol, but VAR ruled it out for offside Portugal advance, keeping Ronaldo’s World Cup dream alive.
Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
Swiss March OnSwitzerland stayed perfect with a disciplined 2-0 win. Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye booked their Round of 16 ticket. They now await the winner of Colombia vs Ghana.
What’s Next
Spain vs Portugal is the standout fixture of the next round.
Friday’s Round of 32 closes with: Australia vs Egypt, Argentina vs Cabo Verde, and Colombia vs Ghana for the final last-16 spots.
