‘What nonsense’: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Of The Match win divides fans after Portugal’s dramatic win

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Of The Match award divides fans. (Image via: IG/X) Portugal survived one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as they beat Croatia 2-1 to book their place in the last 16 against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot, but it was Goncalo Ramos who won the stoppage-time winner in Toronto.The result sent Portugal through, yet the post-match conversation quickly turned away from the score. FIFA’s decision to name Ronaldo man of the match led many supporters to question whether the award should go to the player who scored the winning goal.

Goncalo Ramos seals victory for Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA award steals the spotlight

Croatia looked set for a memorable result after Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock early in the second half. Portugal responded through Ronaldo, who calmly converted the penalty to score his first ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and put his side back in the match.Just when extra time looked certain, Goncalo Ramos rose in the box to head home the winner deep into injury time. Croatia believed they had forced extra time moments later, but Josko Guardiola’s equalizer was ruled out after VAR ruled Mario Pasalic was offside following Igor Matanovic’s slight touch in the set-piece.The win also carried emotional weight for Portugal as the players paid tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota after the final whistle. Roberto Martinez praised his team’s character and said: “Today the World Cup started for us. We played with pride, we represented the jersey. We showed personality when we fell behind. This is a very special team and a very special day because of Diogo (Jota). I am happy and proud. Now we have to think about the next game.”

Fans question FIFA’s choice after Ronaldo receives another award

Although Ronaldo celebrated another personal milestone, many fans felt that the Man of the Match award did not reflect the overall performance on the pitch. The 41-year-old equalized from the penalty spot before being substituted, while Ramos scored the goal that ultimately decided the match.Online reactions quickly focused on FIFA’s decision. One fan wrote: “For the top penalty and who won the match for them? The FIFA selection is insane. He only has one sho.” Another wrote: “THE REAL MATCH WINNER. GONCALO RAMOS.”Others argued that Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa or Ramos had better performances throughout the 90 minutes. One supporter wrote: “Sorry but what? What the hell did he do?” while another added: “What nonsense!” Another fan commented: “Man of the match winner Cristiano Ronaldo is a disgrace to the company.”The debate even drew comparisons to previous World Cup tournaments. One fan wrote: “I love him more than any other player but this is like when Messi won the world cup he didn’t do anything in the game but they gave him man of the match.”The award will not change the biggest Portuguese achievement of the evening. Ramos’ late header sealed progress to the round of 16, where Portugal will face Spain in one of the most anticipated knockout games of the tournament.