Modric of Croatia vs Ronaldo of Portugal in a game for the ages

It was hyped as one of the biggest sporting events in Canadian history, and the best match up so far in the World Cup.

On Canada day before the game in Toronto, hundreds of fans cheered Portugal’s team bus on a suburban highway. They went to Centennial Park for Portugal’s practice session. They swarmed the Delta Hotel where Portugal entered through the back door. Many stayed overnight.

Croatian fans, including many from southern Ontario, marched through Toronto under a massive flag.

Despite a law banning profiteering from ticket scalping, Toronto media reported ticket sellers were asking 3000 dollars or more for tickets.

For the biggest soccer game in the history of Toronto, city officials cancelled public viewing at Nathan Philips square near City Hall, citing concerns over “extreme heat” and potential for thunderstorms. The previous day, temperatures reached 35 celsius but dropped under 30C around 7 pm — kick off time for the Portugal-Croatia game by the lakeshore, which tends to be cooler.

A day before the game, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić predicted a midfield battle, according to the Athletic. “Portugal is fantastic and has a wide range of players…We need to raise the level of responsibility in the midfield.”

“They have a wonderful midfield without a doubt,” Portugal midfielder Vitinha said. “They have a reference with their players. But above all, we have to improve collectively.”

The humidex felt above 40 Celsius on BMO Field before the game, but Lake Ontario winds pushed away a thunderstorm. Fans came early to see Cristiano Ronaldo warm up, and he often saluted them.

Many fans brought kids who idolize Ronaldo.

Fans waved flags at their idol and held banners praised him.

Some noticed he wasn’t wearing an ear-ring.

Since Ronaldo is one of the most famous people in the world, Christopher Johnson applied creative techniques to photographing him.

It was the first (and perhaps last) meeting at the World Cup between the former Real Madrid teammates. They embraced before the game.

Croatia pumped up their fans before the game.

But they could barely hold any possessions in the first half. Modric made runs down the wings to try to free up space in midfield, but Portugal quickly regained possession.

Croatia needed everybody behind the ball, including Luka Modric.

Modric often marked Ronaldo.

The referee had to deal with two legends pleading with him.

Ronaldo often played with his back to the goal. He provided an outlet for midfielders, and made dazzling runs into the box.

Croatia often surrounded him with defenders.

He couldn’t get a ball over the wall.

In the second half, Perisic scored early in front of Croatian fans.

Leaping like a basketball player, he nearly scored again.

On the counter-attack, Ronaldo brought down a high arcing pass with exquisite skill.

He scored but soon saw the offside flag up.

Ronaldo then benefited from a penalty after VAR and the referee ruled that a Croatian defender used two hands to bring down an attacker during a corner kick.

Ronaldo kept his nerve and scored straight down the middle. The Portugal bench poured onto the field as the crowd erupted. Ronaldo didn’t want to come off, but his replacement rewarded the coach’s decision.

Portugal scored the go-ahead goal on a precise header hit between defenders.

Croatia fought back vigorously. Trapped in his own corner, Modric made an incredible pass about 50 yards downfield to set up a goal that was called back for offside.

Croatia scored another goal late in stoppage time but VAR and the referee ruled offside after a computer chip in the ball signalled that a Croatian player’s head brushed the ball. The referee allowed more than 17 minutes of stoppage time. But Croatia couldn’t equalize.