FIFA releases 'proven' statement after VAR rules out 103rd-minute Croatia equaliser in 2026 World Cup last-32 classic with Portugal

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One of the biggest VAR moments ever seen at a World Cup came when Croatia were denied a 103rd‑minute equaliser in a classic last‑32 encounter with Portugal in Toronto. The decision sparked outrage, with Croatian fans throwing plastic bottles onto the pitch in protest.

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Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol thought he had levelled the scores at 2-2 when he tapped home at the back post, sparking wild celebrations.

But their joy quickly turned to heartbreak when Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was sent to the monitor to check for an offside.

The goal was dramatically ruled out, with Igor Matanovic judged to have made the slightest touch on the cross before it reached an offside Mario Pasalic, who assisted Gvardiol.

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Kick-off was delayed for several minutes as Croatia fans showed their displeasure.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann clarified the incident 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."

'Snicko' - more traditionally associated with cricket - is waveform technology inside the ball which allows precise data to be immediately sent to VAR in real time.

In a post on X, FIFA released a statement reading: "According to the data provided by Connected Ball Technology housed within the Adidas ball Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup, it was proven that contact was made by Croatia's Igor Matanovic in the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal.

"IMU sensors housed within the Trionda ball are capable of determining any slight contact, displayed to viewers in the broadcast as a 'heartbeat graphic', and allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions."

In his post-match interview, Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic demanded answers.

"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."

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic hit out at VAR in his post-match press conference.

"It kills the emotions. It kills everything within you. It kills what you are experiencing and then brings you back to the beginning. And it's not easy to deal with all of this. Football should be fair, and the decisions should be such, but we've gone on too far about VAR."

Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead eight minutes into the second half before Ronaldo saw a goal ruled out for offside.

Ronaldo then equalised from the spot - his third goal of the tournament but first in a knockout round at the World Cup - after VAR spotted a foul on Renato Veiga at a corner, before the 41-year-old was replaced by Ruben Neves in the 81st minute.

New AC Milan signing Goncalo Ramos ultimately grabbed a 94th‑minute winner to send Portugal into the last 16, where they will meet rivals Spain in Dallas on July 6.

There were tears at the full-time whistle, with Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic visibly distraught. He was comforted by the legendary Luka Modric, who, at 40 years old, has surely made his final World Cup appearance. Modric later declined to discuss his future.

There was a special moment as Cristiano Ronaldo - whose own international future is reportedly nearing an end - consoled his former Real Madrid team-mate Modric.

With the one‑year anniversary of Diogo Jota's death only hours away, Ronaldo later donned his former team‑mate's jersey and, visibly emotional, guided Portugal towards the Portugal supporters.

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