A thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 game in Toronto was marred by controversy as Croatia’s 103rd minute equaliser against Portugal was disallowed via VAR. After the referee’s final decision was booed, the crowd turned rowdy. They threw bottles and debris on the pitch. Diogo Costa and Portugal defenders requested the crowd to not throw bottles on the pitch. Croatia couldn’t find an equaliser and were knocked out of the tournament.
What led to the drama in ending stages of the game?
In the 103rd minute, Ivan Perisic directed an in-swinging cross into the box. Mario Pasalic assisted the goal as Josko Gvardiol lunged forward and found the back of the net. However, before Pasalic got the first touch, the ball grazed Igor Matanovic's head. The snicko (touch detection technology) caught the minor deflection which led to Pasalic being off side and denied Croatia the equaliser.
Dalic in disbelief, Matanovic explains what happened
Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic was in disbelief while other players were frustrated as Portugal defender Renato Veiga seemed to have a touch after Matanovic’s accidental touch.
Dalic went on to congratulate Portugal for the win. However, he feels that Croatia did not deserve to be eliminated in this manner as they were in equal terms for most of the match.
“Honestly, I think I felt a slight touch with my hair. I asked the referee because I wasn’t 100 per cent sure that I had touched the ball. He told me they have a chip in the ball, that there was a slight contact,” Matanovic said after the game.
Modric out, Ronaldo continues
40-year-old Luka Modric’s dream of winning the World Cup was shattered after the controversial VAR call. On the other hand, his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is still alive. They advance into the Round of 16 only to face Austria who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Ronaldo’s goal was also disallowed as he was offside. Later, he scored via a penalty to equalise. This was his first goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout game. The 41-year-old will be seen in action next at Dallas Stadium.