Croatia captain Luka Modrić has blamed the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for his side’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The veteran midfielder was left frustrated after Croatia were awarded what they considered to be a harsh penalty against them, while two of their own goals were ruled out for offside during a pulsating knockout encounter.
Speaking after the match, Modrić questioned the application of VAR, insisting the technology should only be used to overturn decisions when the error is “200 per cent” clear.
“That is why I say it should only be used if the error is 200 per cent,” Modrić told Marca. “When a situation can be interpreted in one way or another, you have no influence over it. That frustrates me, and it always seems to go against us.
“But it is what it is. We will move on and not complain, although some things are difficult to accept because they affect everything you have worked and sacrificed for.”
Croatia appeared to be in control when Ivan Perišić fired them ahead in the 53rd minute after converting Ante Budimir’s cross.
Just two minutes later, Igor Matanović thought he had doubled the lead, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Portugal were handed a route back into the contest in the 63rd minute after Nikola Vlašić was adjudged to have held Renato Veiga inside the penalty area. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted the resulting spot-kick to level the scores.
With extra time looming, Gonçalo Ramos headed home Rafael Leão’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete Portugal’s comeback.
Croatia believed they had forced extra time deep into added time when Joško Gvardiol found the net, but the effort was also ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Portugal also had two goals disallowed for offside, but Roberto Martínez’s side held on to secure a dramatic victory and book their place in the Round of 16, ending Croatia’s World Cup campaign.
