Why Croatia’s Late Equalizer vs. Portugal Didn’t Count-2026 World Cup
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Portugal won 2–1 against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 in a highly controversial finish involving a disallowed Croatian equalizer deep in stoppage time.
- Croatia's late goal by Joško Gvardiol was ruled offside after VAR determined that Mario Pašalić was offside when he touched the ball following a slight deflection off Igor Matanović.
- The controversy centered on whether Matanović actually touched the ball; VAR used sensor technology inside the match ball to confirm a minimal contact, leading to the goal being disallowed.
- Croatia, a semifinalist in the last two World Cups, was eliminated in the round of 32, while Portugal advanced to face Spain in the round of 16.
