A high-stakes VAR decision recently ended Croatia’s World Cup run, denying them a late equalizer against Portugal. In the 13th minute of stoppage time, Josko Gvardiol appeared to score, sparking wild celebrations. However, officials intervened to review a potential offside involving Igor Matanovic. Using internal ball-tracking sensors known as Snicko, referee Espen Eskas ruled that a faint touch had occurred, nullifying the goal.
This outcome sent Portugal into the Round of 16 while eliminating Croatia. The loss represents a likely conclusion to the international career of 40-year-old legend Luka Modric. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal in the match, advances further. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic expressed deep frustration with the officiating, claiming such technology diminishes the emotional spirit of the sport.
The technology relies on microchips embedded in the match ball, which transmit immediate data regarding contact to video officials. While analysts and former players debated the visual evidence of the touch, the official decision remained firm. Following the final whistle, Ronaldo offered consolation to his former Real Madrid teammate, Modric, in a moment that marked the end of a storied chapter for the Croatian captain.
