New Delhi: World Cup 2026 Croatia scores dramatic stoppage-time equalizer fifa world cup After a lengthy VAR review, the decision ultimately proved decisive, leading to their heartbreaking exit from the Championship.The controversy occurred in the 103rd minute of Toronto’s Round of 32 game. Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol thought he had saved Croatia when he struck at the back post to make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations from players and fans. However, the celebrations were short-lived.Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was instructed to review the goal after VAR flagged a possible offside violation earlier. The key question was whether Croatia forward Igor Matanovic made contact with the ball before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was in an offside position.
Why Croatia’s 103rd-minute equalizer against Portugal was ruled out
After reviewing footage and looking at data from game ball sensor technology, the referees concluded that Matanovic did make the slightest touch on the cross. Because Pasalic was offside when Matanovic touched the ball, his subsequent involvement in assisting Gvaldiol’s goal was deemed illegal according to the rules of the game.Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cane explained the decision on BBC Sport, saying: “When the final pass came from a team-mate, the ball was blocked by the defender and it was not an intentional pass, so offside was established.”Cane also pointed to the use of “Snicko” technology, a waveform system embedded in the match ball that detects the slightest contact, adding: “Snicko, 100 per cent proved he touched it with a flick.”The ruling sparked outrage among Croatian players and supporters, many of whom believed Matanovic had not touched the ball. Croatia midfielder Petar Susic questioned the decision after the game, saying the incident required further review and clarification.Ultimately, a combination of VAR footage and ball sensor technology proved decisive, preventing Croatia from scoring a dramatic equalizer and sending Portugal into the last 16.
