Croatia coach Dalic criticizes VAR after disallowed goal vs. Portugal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 3:26 AM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the World Cup saw a last-minute equalizer by Josko Gvardiol ruled out due to VAR intervention. The goal was disallowed because a chip in the match ball detected that Gvardiol's teammate Igor Matanovic had brushed the ball while offside was called on Mario Pasalic. Following the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expressed frustration with VAR, stating it diminishes the enjoyment of football. Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez defended the decision, noting that technology provided clarity in the situation. Croatia is now faced with the challenge of regrouping for their next match in the tournament.
- •Croatia's last-minute goal was disallowed in a World Cup match.
- •Josko Gvardiol's goal ruled out due to VAR technology.
- •Zlatko Dalic criticized VAR for killing emotions in football.
- •Roberto Martinez stated the decision was clear-cut and justified.
- •Croatia seeks to bounce back in their next World Cup match.
- 3:49 AMYahoo Sports — Croatia coach Dalic: 'We've gone too far with VAR'
- 3:26 AMYahoo Sports — VAR 'taking joy' from football says Croatia coach Dalic after loss
"Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said football must be fair, but "we've gone to far with VAR" after his team had a goal ruled out in the chaotic final minutes of the World Cup round of 32 match against Portugal on Thursday. "You think you scored and you're happy - and then comes the VAR," he said.
"Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said VAR is taking "the joy out of football" after seeing his team have a stoppage time equaliser disallowed in their 2-1 World Cup defeat to Portugal on Thursday.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said there was no debate around Croatia's disallowed goal.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 3, 2026, 3:49 AMCroatia coach Dalic: 'We've gone too far with VAR'
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said football must be fair, but "we've gone to far with VAR" after his team had a goal ruled out in the chaotic final minutes of the World Cup round of 32 match against Portugal on Thursday. "You think you scored and you're happy - and then comes the VAR," he said.
- Yahoo SportsJul 3, 2026, 3:26 AMVAR 'taking joy' from football says Croatia coach Dalic after loss
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said VAR is taking "the joy out of football" after seeing his team have a stoppage time equaliser disallowed in their 2-1 World Cup defeat to Portugal on Thursday.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said there was no debate around Croatia's disallowed goal.
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