Explained: Why Croatia’s 103rd-minute equalizer against Portugal was disallowed after VAR review

Croatian Igor Matanovic (20) reacts (AP Photo/Sam Balkansky) NEW DELHI: Croatia’s dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, a decision that ultimately proved decisive in their heartbreaking exit from the tournament.The controversy unfolded in the 103rd minute of the Round of 16 encounter in Toronto. Manchester City defender Josko Guardiol thought he had saved Croatia when he tapped in at the back post to make it 2-2, sparking wild celebrations from players and fans alike. However, the celebrations were short-lived.Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was instructed to review the goal after VAR had earlier identified a possible offside violation. The key question centered on whether Croatia forward Igor Matanovic touched the ball before Mario Pasalić was caught offside.

Why Croatia’s 103rd minute equalizer against Portugal was disallowed

After reviewing the footage and consulting data from the match ball’s sensor technology, the officials concluded that Matanovic had indeed made the slightest touch on the cross. As Pasalić was in an offside position at the time of Matanović’s touch, his subsequent involvement in the build-up to Guardiola’s goal was deemed illegal under the rules of the game.Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann explained the decision on BBC Sport, saying: “He was offside when the ball was last played by a team-mate and the ball was deflected by a defender and was not played on purpose, so the offside applies.”Cann also pointed to the use of “Snicko” technology, a waveform system built into the match ball that can detect even the slightest contact, adding: “Snicko, that proves 100% that he flicked it.”The decision sparked outrage among the Croatian players and supporters, many of whom believed that Matanović had not touched the ball. Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic questioned the decision after the match, saying the incident required further review and clarification.In the end, a combination of VAR footage and ball sensor technology proved decisive as they denied Croatia a dramatic equalizer and sent Portugal into the round of 16.