Croatia suffered a sad 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 many celebrations. However, Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was asked to review the goal after a VAR review and eventually ruled it out for offside. The decision sparked outrage among Croatian fans, with some throwing plastic bottles and cans onto the pitch, delaying kick-off.See:
Why was the goal rejected?
The controversial moment centered on whether Igor Matanovic 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 to BBC Sport.“He was offside when the ball was last played by a teammate and the ball was deflected by the defender and accidentally played, so the offside stands,” he said.“Snicko, that 100% proves he touched it on flick-on.”Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic questioned the decision after the match.“The referee said he didn’t see our side touch the ball. He said he had a sensor on the ball and he decided like that. But I don’t know what it was,” Sucic said.“It’s really hard to explain, but we expect someone to explain to us because that’s what I saw [Igor] Matanovic did not touch the ball. So, for me, it’s a regular goal, but I don’t know. I say we need to look better and a few more times. And again, they told me that my purpose was in a difficult situation.“They need to check more because he decided in a split second and the situation is difficult. I don’t know. Now it’s like that. Luck is on their side.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos sealed Portugal’s victory
Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo later equalized from the penalty spot after VAR awarded Portugal a spot-kick for a foul on Renato Veiga. It was Ronaldo’s third goal of the tournament.After replacing Ronaldo in the 81st minute, Goncalo Ramos scored the winner 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, possibly playing his last World Cup at the age of 40, comforted by former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo. Later, an emotional Ronaldo wore the jersey of the late Diogo Jota as Portugal’s players celebrated with their fans.