Overview of The Athletic’s Totally Football Show: Portugal’s crazy Croatia victory sets up clash with Spain
This World Cup episode centers on two major round-of-32 storylines: Portugal’s chaotic 2-1 win over Croatia and Spain’s controlled 3-0 victory over Austria. The hosts break down the late-game drama, standout performances from Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Ramos, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal, and look ahead to an enticing Spain-Portugal last-16 matchup. The show also touches on tournament atmosphere in Mexico, Colombia’s upcoming match with Ghana, and other results around the bracket.
Portugal vs Croatia: a wild, controversial finish
Portugal’s win over Croatia was described as one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far.
Key moments
- Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perišić early in the second half.
- Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to score a vintage goal, but it was ruled out for offside.
- Ronaldo then converted a penalty, scoring his first World Cup knockout-stage goal.
- Portugal coach Roberto Martínez substituted Ronaldo shortly after, a move Ronaldo seemed unhappy about.
- Substitute Gonçalo Ramos then headed in the winning goal in stoppage time.
VAR controversy
- Croatia thought they had equalized late in the 103rd minute.
- The goal was overturned after VAR determined the ball had brushed Igor Matanović before a teammate finished, leaving Mario Pašalić offside in the build-up.
- The panel debated the decision, with some feeling the ball barely changed trajectory, but the technology stood.
Why it mattered
- The match featured the longest second half in World Cup history: 58 minutes.
- Portugal survived, but the hosts questioned whether Croatia were arguably the better side in the second half.
Spain vs Austria: control, cohesion, and standout individuals
Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria was presented as a statement performance and another sign they are peaking at the right time.
Main themes
- Spain were in control from start to finish.
- It was their first World Cup knockout win since 2010 and their biggest knockout win since 1994.
- They remain unbeaten and have not conceded a goal at the tournament.
Standout players
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and was praised for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing.
- Cucurella was singled out for an excellent all-around display, including two assists and strong left-side play.
- Lamine Yamal impressed again, even without scoring, with his composure, movement, and creative passing.
- Pedri and Rodri were credited with controlling the midfield.
Tactical note
- Spain looked settled under Luis de la Fuente, with the hosts suggesting the manager now has a clear starting XI and team identity.
- Austria offered little attacking threat, which made Spain’s clean sheet easier to achieve, but the performance still suggested real title potential.
Spain vs Portugal: why the next round looks huge
The episode frames the upcoming Spain-Portugal clash as one of the most appealing matches of the knockout round.
Panel’s read
- Spain are seen as the clear favorites based on form, cohesion, and defensive solidity.
- Portugal’s midfield talent still hasn’t fully clicked, and their win over Croatia felt more survival than dominance.
- Ronaldo’s emotional response to the match and his history against Spain add extra intrigue.
- The hosts noted Ronaldo now has more international goals for Portugal than he ever scored for Manchester United.
Other tournament notes and broader context
Mexico and fan culture
- Felipe Cárdenas described Mexico’s World Cup atmosphere as overwhelming, with huge fan zones and the country “spellbound” by the national team.
- The hosts noted the scale of celebrations and road shutdowns after Mexico matches.
Tournament security gamesmanship
- England’s upcoming match was discussed alongside reports of dummy team buses being used to confuse locals and protect the team hotel.
- The segment compared this kind of disruption to common World Cup mind games.
Colombia, Ghana, and Argentina
- Colombia’s match with Ghana was previewed as a special one because of Carlos Queiroz’s history managing both teams.
- James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz were discussed as key to Colombia’s chances.
- Argentina’s matchup with Cape Verde was described as a classic “giant vs. underdog” World Cup narrative, with Argentina’s knockout consistency highlighted.
- Australia vs. Egypt was also mentioned as another notable fixture.
Emotional remembrance
- The episode acknowledged the significance of the date and reflected on football tragedy and memory, including Andrés Escobar’s murder after the 1994 World Cup.
Bottom line
This episode is a fast-moving World Cup recap focused on:
- Portugal’s nerve-shredding, VAR-heavy win over Croatia
- Spain’s convincing, balanced victory over Austria
- The looming Spain vs. Portugal showdown
- The tournament’s wider drama, atmosphere, and emotional weight
If you want one takeaway: Spain look the more complete team, but Portugal’s survival sets up a blockbuster Iberian derby.