The 976th goal of Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic career was a special one.
The Portugal captain finally notched his first tally in a World Cup knockout match, finding the net from the penalty spot against Croatia in Thursday's breathless last-32 victory in Toronto.
For viewers in U.S. only:
SIIUUU! CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS FIRST CAREER KNOCKOUT STAGE GOAL AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP 🇵🇹
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026
The legendary CR7 brings Portugal level from the spot! pic.twitter.com/BJ80AM0zhg
For viewers in Canada only:
CRISTIANO RONALDO'S FIRST EVER WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT ROUND GOAL COMES IN TORONTO! 🇵🇹 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gKJ4aOfFVS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2026
The 68th-minute spot-kick brought Portugal level after Croatia had opened the scoring.
Ronaldo, to the surprise of everybody inside the stadium - and the forward himself - was substituted out of the contest by manager Roberto Martinez in the 81st minute. He had played every minute in the tournament to that point.
The penalty was his only touch inside the Croatian box in the match, according to Opta.
Goncalo Ramos, who slid into Ronaldo's No. 9 role after the veteran was substituted, eventually delivered a 94th-minute header that helped Portugal claim a 2-1 win to advance in the tournament.
Ronaldo, 41, now has 11 career World Cup goals. His brace against Uzbekistan earlier in the tournament made him the first man to score in six different editions of the World Cup.
He's also the oldest player to ever feature (and score) in a World Cup knockout match. Ronaldo's seven months older than longtime ex-Real Madrid teammate and Croatia captain Luka Modric, who was on the field against him Thursday. The two shared long embraces both before and after the game.
Ronaldo has already said this summer's World Cup will be his last. It will continue for one more match, at least, as Portugal will meet Spain in the round of 16.
