Ronaldo consoles tearful Modric after VAR robs Croatia of World Cup equaliser

Cristiano Ronaldo put his own World Cup celebrations on hold to console a devastated Luka Modric after Portugal survived a VAR storm to beat Croatia 2-1 in their last-32 tie in Toronto on Thursday.

The two former Real Madrid team-mates — Ronaldo, 41, and Modric, 40 — met in what was likely the Croatian captain’s final World Cup appearance after 202 international caps. Croatia appeared to have snatched a 103rd-minute equaliser through Josko Gvardiol, only for the goal to be controversially disallowed by VAR, leaving Croatia’s players in tears at the final whistle.

Ronaldo had his own frustrations during the match — a goal was ruled out for offside on the hour mark — before he converted a penalty to end his World Cup knockout-stage goal drought and put Portugal level. He was then substituted late in normal time by manager Roberto Martinez, a decision that proved decisive when replacement Goncalo Ramos grabbed the 94th-minute winner.

Despite the jubilation of qualification, Ronaldo immediately sought out Modric at the final whistle, hugging him several times and offering personal words of encouragement. The pair spent six trophy-laden seasons together at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles, a La Liga title, and a Copa del Rey.

In his post-match interview, Ronaldo revealed exactly what he said to his old friend. “I played with Luka so many matches and we are nearly the same age. He is a legend of football,” he said. “I said to him, ‘Congratulations for everything. I would love to see you again and all the best for the next years of your career.’ It was nice to play him once again.”

For Ronaldo, the victory keeps alive his pursuit of the one major honour still missing from his career. Portugal face reigning European champions Spain on Monday in Dallas, Texas, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.