Portugal vs. Croatia locked at 0-0 in first half of World Cup match in Toronto

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The anticipation builds in the Toronto Stadium as Ronaldo steps up to take a free kick from about 30 yards out.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese contingent, it hits the Croatian wall.

A Pedro Neto cross from the right side looks promising, especially after Livaković comes out and misses the ball.

But somehow, everyone else — including Ronaldo — misses the ball. Croatian hearts in mouths!

Dominik Livaković is forced to palm the ball behind for a corner after a Rafael Leão cross was headed up into the Toronto sky by a Croatian defender.

The following corner kick was too high for Ronaldo and it was eventually struck high over the goal.

The Croatians test Diogo Costa first, though it's a fairly weak ground shot by Ante Budimir.

Portugal replies with a great run and pass by Rafael Leão. 

Bruno Fernandes was found with loads of space in the Croatian box, but Dominik Livaković came up with a low diving save.

Fernandes had another opportunity but the rebound was blocked. What a chance!

Croatia kicks off this highly anticipated Round of 32 match in Toronto. Both teams are in their away kits, so it's pale green (Portugal) versus blue (Croatia).

Toronto Stadium has hosted six games, almost all of them packed with drama. 

A helicopter circles above as massive flags are rolled out and thousands of phones come out to grab that perfect stadium shot.

Shakira’s Dai Dai plays as the players walk out onto the field, watched by 50-plus photojournalists on the sideline. 

I’ve watched this routine three times now, and it’s still so powerful to witness live.

But also, it’s game time. 

My neighbours would be so mad if I didn’t pick Portugal, so I will. 

But I’ll say this: Croatia’s fans might be making more noise as this game gets going.

I have Portugal going to the semi-finals in my bracket, so I'll go with them. They've been incredible defensively this World Cup, so I predict a tight 2-1 win in extra time.

John, Mouhamad, what do we think? Who will go through tonight? I'm thinking Portugal has the edge in terms of fresh talent and will edge it 2-1. It's going to be a tough battle, though.

We've not yet mentioned that this evening's winner will go through to the Round of 16 where they will face Spain, after the European champion dispatched Austria 3-0 earlier today. 

That promises to be another corker of a match — and an all-Iberian matchup in particular would be incendiary.

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