Toronto (Canada): Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will have more than just a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at stake when his side faces Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be looking to end one of the few blemishes on his glittering career, his failure to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

The clash also renews a fascinating rivalry between Ronaldo and Croatia skipper Luka Modrić, long-time teammates at Real Madrid CF and two of the defining midfield and attacking stars of their generation.

Knockout hoodoo continues despite World Cup scoring feats

Despite scoring in six consecutive FIFA World Cup editions, from his tournament debut in 2006 through the ongoing 2026 campaign, Ronaldo has never found the net in the knockout stages of the competition.

Portugal finished fourth in 2006, reached the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, exited in the group stage in 2014, and advanced to the quarter-finals in 2022. Across those knockout appearances, Ronaldo has remained without a goal.

The 41-year-old reached another landmark during Portugal's group-stage clash against Colombia, making his 25th FIFA World Cup appearance. The milestone drew him level with German great Lothar Matthäus for the second-most appearances in tournament history, behind only Lionel Messi, who has played 29 World Cup matches.

Portugal captain arrives in top form

Ronaldo heads into the knockout stage in excellent touch after starring in Portugal's emphatic victory over Uzbekistan during the group stage. The veteran striker scored twice, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leão also got on the scoresheet. An own goal by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov completed a dominant display from Roberto Martinez's side.

The brace took Ronaldo's World Cup tally to 10 goals, making him Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament. He moved past Portuguese legend Eusébio, who scored nine goals, while Pauleta remains third with four.

Ronaldo also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, ending a 10-match goal drought across major international competitions, the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

Portugal recovered strongly after opening its campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The convincing win over Uzbekistan put Roberto Martinez's men back on track and ensured they entered the knockout rounds with renewed confidence.