Portugal and Croatia tied 0-0 at halftime in World Cup knockout match in Toronto

Toronto association football fans excited to keep an eye on portuguese republic and Ronaldo in the urban center

Ronaldo is in Toronto for the FIFA World Cup. Here's what Portuguese fans are saying

Fact check: Fake photo of Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto

What World Cup success means for Canadian soccer

Here's why hydration breaks are stirring up controversy at the FIFA World Cup

After 45 minutes in Toronto, the teams head to the changing room tied 0-0.

It hasn't been as close a game as the score suggests. While it was billed as a match between two respected sides, it's largely been played in Croatia's half.

Four more minutes before the break — and Portugal nearly break the deadlock again!

The ball pops up in the Croatian box and Leão attacks it hard, but he can't control the volley attempt, instead sending it behind for a goal kick.

Ronaldo has really been in the mix, making two great diving attempts at goal. 

But Modrić has also been a pleasure to watch. His No. 10 jersey is constantly in motion, even when he’s directing traffic from the centre of the field, and he looks so calm even as Portguese players lunge at him.

He had one spectacular play on the touchline that completely lost his defender, prompting an "ooh" from the crowd.   

Now, can one of his teammates mount some pressure? So far, Croatia has had less than 30 per cent of the possession in this match.

The Portuguese are brimming with confidence, which is a marked change from the Colombia game. They're playing aggressively, their movement and passing are sharp and all they need is that one final touch to get a goal. They could be up by at least two already.

The hydration break, which has been criticized in this World Cup for stalling momentum of matches, barely seemed to affect Portugal at all and they've kept at the Croats, who appear to be barely hanging on here.

Nuno Mendes has been very involved in Portugal's chances today.

This time he strips a Croat of the ball just outside his opponent's box, then finds a teammate who delivers a low inviting ball into the box.

Livaković gets two strong palms to block the pass, but the chance is still there before it goes out for a corner kick.

Portugal can't convert on the ensuing corner, and Mendes' long-range shot is blocked.

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.

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.

---

---