Ronaldo and Portugal face Croatia with the World Cup on the line

Win or go home tonight against Croatia

Portugal face Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday, and it could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup match. Roberto Martínez did not hide from it. "Let's hope this isn't Ronaldo's last dance," he said ahead of the match (3). Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić called Portugal "one of the strongest teams in the world" (10). All 26 players trained at Centennial Park in Toronto on Wednesday after a storm threat cleared (7). The winner advances. There is no tomorrow.

Ronaldo's call to the fans

Ronaldo took to social media on the eve of the match with a simple message: "Façam-nos sentir em casa 🙏🏽", make us feel at home (6). At 40, he is still the team's central figure. Martínez wants the journey to continue. The manager made that plain speaking to the press (3).

Jota remembered, one year on

Friday, July 3, marks one year since Diogo Jota died (9). The round of 16 match falls a day before the anniversary. Players have described this World Cup campaign as having a mission tied to his memory (9).

Croatia's respect and the Modric factor

Dalić did not downplay the challenge. His full assessment placed Portugal among the world's elite (10). The match also pits Ronaldo against Luka Modric, two icons of a generation still carrying their nations deep into tournaments.

Fan reactions

Portuguese fans got some clarity this week that has nothing to do with the pitch. The FPF confirmed a new design on their website is only a corporate rebranding for the federation's business identity, the national team crest stays as it is, described as "untouchable" in the official clarification. Read the full discussion here.