NEW DELHI: Croatia dramatically equalized against Portugal in 2026 compensation FIFA World Cup he was sent off after a lengthy VAR review, a decision that ultimately proved crucial in their heartbreaking exit from the tournament.The controversy took place in the 103rd minute of the round of 16 in Toronto. Manchester City defender Josko Guardiol thought he had saved Croatia when he hit the back post to make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations among the players and fans.But the celebration was short-lived.Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was instructed to review the goal after VAR spotted a possible backline foul earlier in the move. The key question was whether Croatian forward Igor Matanović came into contact with the ball before it reached Marijo Pašalić, who was standing in the backfield.
Why Croatia equalized against Portugal in the 103rd minute was sent off
After reviewing the footage and consulting match ball sensor technology data, the officials concluded that Matanović had indeed made the slightest touch on the cross. Since Pašalić was in an offside position at the time of Matanović’s touch, his subsequent involvement in setting up Guardiola’s goal was deemed illegal under the Laws of the Game.Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann explained the decision to BBC Sport, saying: “He was offside when the ball was last played by his team-mate and the ball was deflected by a defender and he didn’t play it on purpose, so the offside stands.”Cann also pointed to the use of “Snicko” technology, a waveform system built into the match ball that can detect the slightest contact, adding: “Snicko, that proves 100% that he touched it with a flick-on.”The ruling caused outrage among Croatian players and fans, many of whom believed that Matanović had not touched the ball. Croatian midfielder Petar Sučić questioned the decision after the game, saying the incident required further review and clarification.In the end, the combination of VAR footage and ball sensor technology proved crucial, denying Croatia a dramatic equalizer and sending Portugal into the last 16.
