Gvardiol's 95th-minute goal ruled out as Croatia exit to Portugal

Croatia out after VAR disallows Gvardiol's 95th-minute equaliser

Croatia 1–2 Portugal. Done. Josko Gvardiol thought he had forced extra time deep into stoppage time, but the VAR intervened and chalked it off (1). Igor Matanovic was ruled to have touched the ball in an offside position in the build-up, a decision that ended Croatia's World Cup at the round of 32.

Modric: 'If it had been the other way, VAR would never have stepped in'

Luka Modric did not hold back after what is almost certainly his final World Cup match. "I believe if it had been the other way around, VAR would never have stepped in," the captain said (1). Coach Zlatko Dalic went further, calling the referee "very poor" (1).

Stanisic puzzled by referee's explanation

Josip Stanisic gave the most detailed account of what happened. The referee told him the ball has a sensor and that it registered a touch from Igor Matanovic. "But then I don't understand why the referee even goes out to look at the situation," Stanisic said. "If the ball shows a reading, it's clear. I find that bizarre" (2).

Ibrahimovic: 'That was clear theft'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had his say too. "That was a fantastic game that was ruined by VAR at the end. I didn't see anything irregular at 2–2. VAR chalked it off, but for me that was theft" (1).