Ronaldo Scores First World Cup Knockout Goal as Spain Impresses on Day 22

Day 22 of the World Cup delivered significant moments, including Cristiano Ronaldo finally breaking his World Cup knockout stage duck and Spain showcasing a level of play that suggests they could challenge the tournament’s dominant forces.

Ronaldo’s breakthrough came in Portugal’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Croatia. The veteran forward converted a penalty, marking his first goal in the knockout rounds of the competition. Despite his historic goal, Ronaldo was substituted late in the game by coach Roberto Martinez, a decision that highlighted Portugal’s evolving attacking options. Goncalo Ramos, who famously scored a hat-trick in the previous tournament when deputizing for Ronaldo, once again proved decisive, scoring the winning goal against Croatia.

The match also likely marked the end of Luka Modric’s World Cup career. The Croatian midfielder, a key figure in his nation’s run to the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-finals, played his final World Cup minutes, with coach Zlatko Dalic expressing regret over the manner of his departure.

Key facts

Spain’s Resurgence

Meanwhile, Spain delivered arguably the most complete team performance of the tournament thus far in their 3-0 dismantling of Austria. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja displayed a level of cohesion and control that evoked memories of their past successes. The team’s ability to dominate possession and limit opponents to minimal chances suggests they are hitting peak form at the crucial stage.

Coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the importance of building on this performance, stating, “Today’s performance should be the foundation for what comes next.” Spain’s impressive showing solidifies their status as a genuine contender and a potential obstacle for pre-tournament favorites like France.

Swiss Advance

Switzerland also secured their place in the next round, defeating Algeria 2-0 with early goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. They will face either Colombia or Ghana in their upcoming fixture.

Looking Ahead

The next round promises compelling matchups. Portugal, with Ronaldo still a factor and Ramos emerging as a potent threat, will face Spain in what is shaping up to be a titanic clash. The winner of that game could well be considered a primary contender for the World Cup title. The US team, aiming to overcome Belgium, could also face Spain in a highly anticipated quarter-final.

The day’s events underscore the unpredictable nature of the World Cup, with established stars finding new moments of glory and emerging teams demonstrating their potential to challenge the established order.

Source: The Athletic Football, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7417621/2026/07/03/cristiano-ronaldo-world-cup-recap-day-22/