VAR overturns Croatia's late equalizer in 2-1 loss to Portugal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 2:18 AM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
In the Round of 32 at the World Cup on July 3, Portugal led 2-1 against Croatia when Joško Gvardiol appeared to score a stoppage-time equalizer. However, a VAR review disallowed the goal due to an offside call on Igor Matanović, confirmed by the ball's embedded sensor. The technology showed Matanović's touch on the ball before Gvardiol's attempt, which sealed Croatia's elimination from the tournament, while Portugal advances to face Spain in the next round.
- •Portugal leads Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32
- •Gvardiol's stoppage-time goal ruled offside
- •Matanović's touch confirmed by ball sensor
- •Croatia eliminated while Portugal advances to meet Spain
- •VAR technology plays crucial role in decision
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Ball don't lie: How the World Cup match ball helped deny Croatia a dramatic equalizer vs. Portugal
"An offside call in stoppage time — with the incriminating touch by Igor Matanović confirmed by the ball's sensor — led to a 2-1 win for Portugal.
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