FIFA reveals proof ball touched Croatia player before stunning offsides call
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- During the World Cup match between Croatia and Portugal, controversy arose over a late goal by Josko Gvardiol that could have tied the game, with fans debating whether the ball touched Igor Matanovic before the goal.
- Initial visual analysis suggested the ball did not touch Matanovic, which would have meant the goal should have counted due to no offside.
- FIFA clarified via a detailed post on X that data from the Connected Ball Technology in the official match ball confirmed contact with Matanovic.
- This sensor data validated the referee's offside call, resulting in the goal being disallowed.
- Despite the technological confirmation, the decision remains a disappointing moment for Croatia.
