Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to win a first FIFA World Cup remains alive after Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters, with a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision denying the Croatians a stoppage-time equaliser.
The Round of 32 clash in Toronto delivered high drama from start to finish, culminating in a heart-breaking finale for Croatia and what is likely to be Luka Modrić’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Croatia believed they had forced extra time in the 13th minute of stoppage time when Joško Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the Croatian players and supporters.
However, the celebrations were cut short after a lengthy VAR review. Semi-automated offside technology, aided by the sensor embedded in the Adidas match ball, detected that Igor Matanović had made the slightest touch in the build-up while in an offside position. The goal was subsequently ruled out, handing Portugal a dramatic victory.
The decision sparked furious scenes inside the stadium, with frustrated Croatia supporters throwing plastic bottles onto the pitch as their World Cup campaign came to a painful end.
Earlier, Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perišić after a subdued first half, before Ronaldo thought he had equalised only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
The 41-year-old eventually levelled the contest from the penalty spot, scoring his first-ever goal in the knockout phase of the World Cup in what is his sixth appearance at the tournament.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez substituted his captain in the 81st minute, ending Ronaldo’s run of playing every minute of Portugal’s campaign. Yet the veteran forward was soon celebrating from the touchline after Gonçalo Ramos fired Portugal into a 2-1 lead in the fourth minute of added time.
Croatia’s dramatic disallowed equaliser followed moments later, but the VAR intervention ensured Portugal held on to reach the Round of 16.
The victory extends Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after members of his family described the tournament as his “last dance”, while it almost certainly marks the end of Modrić’s illustrious World Cup career.
Technology Takes Centre Stage
The decisive moment hinged on football’s semi-automated offside technology. The Adidas match ball used at the tournament contains an internal sensor capable of detecting every touch in real time, allowing VAR officials to determine whether Matanović had made contact before Gvardiol converted.
After reviewing multiple replays, referee Espen Eskås accepted the evidence from the sensor technology and ruled the goal out for offside.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić criticised the officiating after the match, arguing that VAR had stripped football of its emotion.
“We have gone too far with VAR,” Dalić said. “It kills emotions and takes the joy out of football.”
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez defended the decision, insisting the technology had provided a clear and objective answer.
“There was no lucky decision or bad decision,” Martínez said. “The sensor in the ball showed there was a touch.”
The dramatic finish has already become one of the defining moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Portugal surviving by the finest of margins to keep Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the trophy alive, while Croatia depart the competition devastated after one of the cruellest exits in World Cup history.
