FIFA World Cup 2026: Croatia leads 1-0 in second half of Round of 32 match against Portugal

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How about this stat from our friends at Toronto City Hall?

Over at FIFA Fan Fest — the ticketed event not far from the stadium where thousands have caught games — there have been 6,714 portions of poutine sold in two weeks. Oh, and 4,250 beaver tails, too (if you’re reading in Croatia or Portugal, those are desserts!)

But don’t worry, many of the fans are biking it off. Bike Share Toronto, the super popular rental bike system, has recorded around 2,000 rides per match.

Ask the statistics and they'll wonder how Portugal aren't winning at the break. The Portuguese have accumulated 0.97 expected goals from nine total shots in the first half. 

It's not just the quality of the shots, though. Multiple inviting crosses into the Croatian box have somehow gone begging, despite Ronaldo sniffing around for his first ever World Cup knockout round goal.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić might need to make some adjustments to counter Portugal's dominance, especially on the left side, where Mendes and Leão have really cooked.

It’s loud in here, for sure. The Croatian fans have been spectacular, though their team hasn’t given them too many moments to really roar. 

Portugal’s are great too, but I’m just waiting to hear them really let loose. Oh, and I hope people hurry back from the concessions because it’s always a pet peeve watching a second half start with loads of empty seats. 

This certainly has the atmospheric feel of a knockout game, Jan. Both teams are well represented in the ends of Toronto Stadium.

The Croatian faithful have especially shown up loud and ready to cheer their team on. Unfortunately, their team hasn't given them much to cheer about, though they've shown their frustration when a foul call didn't go their way. 

That said, I don't think this is my favourite atmosphere of this World Cup. I really enjoyed Canada's opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the vibes at Ghana vs. Panama were absolutely electric!

I don't know if the broadcast mics are particularly well set up for this match, but the noise of the crowd coming over the screen is thrilling. A crescendo of noise has swelled for every Portugal chance, while there's a steady drum beat from the Croats.

As I'm typing this at halftime, the TSN analysts are struggling to make themselves heard over a raucous drum solo.

John, Mouhamad, how does this evening's atmosphere compare to your previous experiences?

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.

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