Last waltz for two greats

A “last waltz for two greats” played out in Portugal vs. Croatia, when both squads met in a World Cup knockout match at Toronto, with Portugal winning 2-1 to advance to the round of 16. Despite Croatia’s loss, the article highlights that Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo, longtime rivals, shared their final on-pitch moment as Ronaldo and Modrić hugged after the match. Ronaldo’s presence helped Portugal take the lead after a penalty put them up 2-1, following Croatia’s effort to level at 2-2 in extra time. However, the equalizing goal was overturned as offside after a VAR review by the television referee. Modrić, then 40, accepted the decision without aggressive dissent, while Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić criticized VAR as going “too far.” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the call was clear and used sensor-and-chip evidence to indicate the ball was touched.