Croatia suffered a heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic VAR decision ruled out a stoppage-time equaliser in their last-32 clash against Portugal in Toronto.Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol thought he had rescued 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 Croatian fans, with some throwing plastic bottles and cans onto the pitch, delaying the restart.Watch:
Why the goal was ruled out
The controversial moment centred around 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 ruling on BBC Sport.“He was offside when the ball was last played by a team-mate and the ball was deflected by the defender and not deliberately played, so the offside stands,” he said.“Snicko, that 100% proves that he touched it 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 like that. But I don’t know what is this,” said Sucic.“It’s really difficult to explain, but we expect somebody will explain to us because if what I saw is that [Igor] Matanovic didn’t 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 also, they told me my goal is in difficult situation.“They need to check more because he decided in one second and the situation is difficult. I don’t know. Today is like that. Luck is on their side.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos seal Portugal win
Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo later equalised 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 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, being comforted by former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo. Later, an emotional Ronaldo wore the jersey of the late Diogo Jota as Portugal’s players celebrated with their fans.
