Croatia has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Portugal in their Round of 32 clash. The match, which took place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, saw a late equaliser by Croatia disallowed following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, a decision that proved crucial in their exit from the tournament.
The controversy unfolded in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol appeared to score, which would have leveled the score at 2-2. However, the celebrations were cut short as Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was instructed to review the goal. The VAR identified a potential offside infringement earlier in the play, focusing on whether Croatian forward Igor Matanovic had touched the ball before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position.
Controversial VAR decision
After reviewing the footage and consulting data from the match ball’s sensor technology, officials determined that Matanovic had made a slight touch on the cross. Since Pasalic was in an offside position at the moment of Matanovic’s touch, his subsequent involvement in setting up Gvardiol’s goal was deemed illegal under the Laws of the Game. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann explained that the offside stood because the ball was deflected by a defender and not deliberately played after Matanovic’s touch. Cann also highlighted the use of “Snicko” technology, a waveform system within the match ball, which he stated 100% confirmed Matanovic’s touch.
This ruling sparked strong reactions from Croatian players and supporters, many of whom believed Matanovic had not made contact with the ball. Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic questioned the decision after the match, suggesting it required further review and clarification. Ultimately, the combination of VAR footage and ball sensor technology proved decisive, denying Croatia a dramatic equaliser and allowing Portugal to advance to the last 16.
Coach Dalic’s reaction and Croatia’s future
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expressed his dissatisfaction with what he termed “bad refereeing” following the match. He felt his team should have been awarded more free kicks during the game. Despite his criticism, Dalic stated he would not use the refereeing as an excuse for the loss, acknowledging that Croatia lost and could have secured a win earlier.
Portugal had been awarded a penalty earlier in the game after a VAR review, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted to equalize. Goncalo Ramos then scored in the 94th minute to put Portugal ahead. Dalic noted that his team did not create enough chances in the first half but improved significantly in the second. He also commented that Croatia’s luck from previous World Cups, where they finished runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, had run out.
The match also marked what was likely the final World Cup appearance for 40-year-old captain Luka Modric, who has been a central figure for Croatia for many years. Dalic expressed regret that Modric’s final tournament ended in this manner. Despite the end of an era for some key players, Dalic remains optimistic about the future of the Croatian national team. He stated he is not concerned for the team’s future, citing the emergence of many young players who have demonstrated quality. Dalic, who has led Croatia since 2017, did not offer insight into his own future, stating that discussions about it would take place in Croatia.
The decision by the Norwegian referee Espen Eskas to disallow the goal ultimately sent Portugal through to the last 16.
Source: thehindu.com
