Croatia suffered a heartbreaking exit from 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic VAR decision ruled out a stoppage-time equalizer in their last 32 clash 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 eventually disallowed it for offside. The decision caused outrage among Croatia fans, with some throwing plastic bottles and cans onto the field, delaying the restart.Take a look:
Because the target was excluded
The controversial moment centered on whether Igor Matanovic had made contact with the ball before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position before assisting Gvardiol’s finish.Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann explained the decision on BBC Sport.“It was offside when the ball was last played by a teammate and the ball was deflected by the defender and not deliberately played, so the offside stands,” he said.“Snicko, this 100% proves he touched her with the flick-on.”Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic questioned the decision after the match.“The referee said that he didn’t see our side touch the ball. He said that he has a sensor in the ball and he decided that. But I don’t know what this is,” said Sucic.“It’s really hard to explain, but we’re waiting for someone to explain to us because if what I saw is this [Igor] Matanovic did not touch the ball. So, for me, it’s a regular goal, but I don’t know. I say it needs to be seen better and a few more times. And also, he told me that my goal is in a difficult situation.“They need to check more because he decided in a second and the situation is difficult. I do not know. Today it is like that. Luck is on his side.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos sealed Portugal’s victory
Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo then equalized from the penalty spot after VAR awarded Portugal a penalty point 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 emotional scenes, with Mateo Kovacic in tears and Luka Modric, likely playing his last World Cup at the age of 40, comforted by former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo. Later, an emotional Ronaldo wore the shirt of the late Diogo Jota as Portugal’s players celebrated with their fans.
