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

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Again, how did no one get a touch on that?!

João Cancelo did very well to bring the ball down with his right foot. He then cut to his left and sent a very dangerous cross into the Portuguese box, where Ronaldo was waiting again.

But similar to an earlier chance, not a single soul got as much as a kiss on the ball. Croatia are very fortunate to get out of that!

Portugal will be pleased with how they've controlled the game so far, as the players return from the first hydration break.

They registered six shots to Croatia's two, have the slight advantage in possession and have come close to connecting with a few threatening crosses.

Leão and Mendes in particular have had fantastic starts to the match on the left side. Their swift, well timed runs and dangerous passes are causing real pain for Croatia.

John, what are your thoughts on the game?

Portugal has looked so dangerous.

I watched their last match against Colombia and they were completely lethargic. They haven’t connected for a goal yet, but they look like they’re getting closer and closer to producing some magic.

Nuno Mendes threatens Croatia's backline twice in a minute's span, first with a delivery that's headed away by Marin Pongračić. 

That's followed by a corner kick that found the Portuguese man at the back post, but the shot doesn't hit the target.

It feels like the Portugal fans are ready to explode.

On the north end, a drummer is keeping a steady beat going. When the fans start chanting as one, it’s thunderous. 

But you can almost feel their nerves, too. A goal and this party will really get going. 

Croatia’s fans, meanwhile, just let out a big exhale after Ronaldo failed to hit the target with that free kick.

Portuguese defenders Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes connect on a threatening corner kick, with the former getting his head on the latter's delivery. But the attempt fails to hit the target.

Not long after, another Portuguese defender, Rúben Dias, is shown the first yellow card of the match.

Toronto Stadium has the coolest light as the game starts. Dark clouds are to the east, with splitting sunshine coming from the west.

There’s a slight breeze (thanks, Lake Ontario!) but it’s still plenty humid. 

The heat — 32 C at the moment — doesn’t seem to be hampering the pace of play in the early going, with both teams managing a shot on goal.

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.

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