Croatia faced a difficult exit in 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic VAR decision ruled out a lengthy suspension in their last 32 match against Portugal in Toronto.Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol thought he had saved Croatia with a goal in the 103rd minute, sparking huge celebrations. However, Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was asked to review the goal after a VAR check and ultimately ruled it out as offside. The decision sparked outrage among Croatian fans, with some throwing plastic bottles and cans onto the pitch, delaying the restart.Watch:
Why was the goal blocked?
The dispute centered on whether Igor Matanovic made contact with the ball before Mario Pasalic, who was standing before helping Gvardiol to finish.Former Premier League assistant Darren Cann explained the decision on BBC Sport.“He was offside when the ball was played last by his teammate and the ball was separated by the defender and he did not play it on purpose, so the offside stands,” he said.“Snicko, that’s 100% proof that he caught it with a flick-on.”Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic questioned the decision after the match.“The referee said that he did not see our side touch the ball. He said that there is a sensor in the ball and he thought so. But I don’t know what this is,” said Sucic.“It is difficult to explain, but we hope that someone will explain to us because if what I saw is like that [Igor] Matanovic did not touch the ball. So, for me, it’s a fixed goal, but I don’t know. I am saying that we need to look carefully and repeatedly. Also, he told me that my goal is in trouble.“He has to look at the details because he thought in one minute and things are difficult. I don’t know. Today it is like that. Luck is on their side.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos win Portugal
Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo later equalized after VAR awarded Portugal a goal for a foul on Renato Veiga. It was Ronaldo’s third goal of the tournament.After Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in the 94th minute to send Portugal into the last 16, where they will face Spain in Dallas on July 6.The final whistle brought dramatic scenes, with Mateo Kovacic in tears and Luka Modric, who played his last World Cup at the age of 40, comforted by his former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo. Afterwards, an emotional Ronaldo wore the jersey of the late Diogo Jota as Portugal’s players celebrated with their fans.
