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Abayomi Ademola
Portugal booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto, with a controversial VAR decision denying Zlatko Dalic’s side an injury-time equalizer in one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.
Croatia thought they had forced extra time in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol scored from close range, sparking wild celebrations on the field and in the stands. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside after semi-automatic technology and the ball sensor detected a slight touch from Igor Matanovic in the build-up.
The decision shocked Croatia’s players and fans, who threw plastic bottles onto the pitch after the final whistle as frustration boiled over. BBC commentator Steve Wilson described it as “one of the most important VAR decisions ever”.
FIFA later confirmed that the decision was based on data from the Adidas ball chip, which showed that Matanovic made contact with the ball before it reached Gvardiol, placing him in an offside position.
Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic refused to hide his anger after the match.
“I won’t comment much on it, but I will say that the refereeing was very bad,” Dalic said. “VAR kills emotions, it kills everything inside you. We have gone too far with VAR.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended the decision, insisting that the technology removed any doubts.
“There is no bad decision or a lucky decision. It was a clear moment,” Martínez said. “The balls now have a chip and the sensor shows that the ball was touched.”
The controversy overshadowed a chaotic night in which Cristiano Ronaldo also scored his first World Cup knockout goal before being substituted late in the second half. Ivan Perisic had earlier given Croatia the lead before Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot after previously having another goal ruled out for offside.
Portugal finally found what turned out to be the winning goal in injury time through Gonçalo Ramos, moments before Croatia’s dramatic disallowed draw.
For Croatia, defeat could mark the end of Luka Modric’s World Cup journey, while Portugal’s dream of finally winning the tournament remains alive heading into the last 16.
