SHAH ALAM - Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo was seen saying “Bismillah” twice moments before calmly converting a crucial penalty as Portugal fought back to defeat Croatia 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Television cameras captured the 41-year-old forward reciting the phrase while preparing to take the spot-kick under intense pressure during Portugal’s Round of 32 clash at Toronto Stadium.
Ronaldo then confidently sent the ball down the middle of the goal to level the match and swing the momentum in his team’s favour.
Croatia had taken a surprise lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perišić, putting Portugal on the brink of an early World Cup exit. However, Ronaldo’s composed penalty restored parity and inspired Portugal to regain control of the contest.
With extra time looming, Portugal completed a dramatic turnaround deep into stoppage time when Gonçalo Ramos headed home a precise cross in the 90+4th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
The dramatic win sends Portugal through to the Round of 16, where they will face Spain.