Modric's last dance ends as VAR denies Croatia against Portugal

Portugal 2–1 Croatia, VAR heartbreak

It ended in disbelief. Portugal 2–1 Croatia in the round of 32 on Thursday, and your team were seconds from extra time before VAR intervened (1) (5). Nikola Vlasic thought he had equalised late, the ball crossed the line, the celebrations started, then the referee went to the monitor. The goal was ruled out for a foul on Diogo Jota, a decision BBC called "brutal" (7) (14). 19 minutes of stoppage time. Three disallowed goals in the match. The final whistle hit like a wall (9).

Ronaldo's night, Modric's farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo set up Goncalo Ramos for Portugal's second goal and played with raw emotion, he dedicated the performance to a friend who passed away (2) (3). On the other side, this was likely Luka Modric's last World Cup match. He is 40. The two icons embraced at full time (10) (15). One legend moves on to face Spain in the last 16. The other walks off a World Cup pitch for what may be the final time (4) (19).

The disallowed goal explained

German outlet Kicker called the decisive VAR call a decision that "kills emotion" (12). The chip inside the ball confirmed contact between Vlasic and Jota in the buildup to Croatia's would-be equaliser, and the referee judged it a foul (8) (12). French reports described a "hellish and controversial" finish (18) (19). Portugal advance. Croatia go home wondering what might have been.

Fan reactions

Croatia supporters are split between pride and fury. The prevailing sentiment on Reddit: your team deserved extra time, and the VAR decision was soft at best. Many point to the 19 minutes of stoppage time and the chaos of three disallowed goals as proof the match spiralled beyond the referee's control. Read the full discussion here.