World Cup 2026: Memorable VAR decision ends Modric's career, Ronaldo's journey continues
Luka Modric narrowly missed out on victory as Cristiano Ronaldo got another chance after VAR ruled out a late equalizer for Croatia against Portugal in a dramatic city clash at World Cup 2026.
Portugal and Croatia set the stage for an exciting match in the decoration of the World Cup 2026. With Ronaldo's Portugal leading 2-1 late in the game, Josko Guardiol's goal in the 13th minute of stoppage time put Croatia in contention.
But here is the real twist. Before that goal, the use of VAR began with doubts over whether Croatian player Igor Matanovic had touched the ball with his head. The Premier League's VAR officials saw a sensor signal from a ball-mounted device. Based on this, it was determined that the ball had been touched and the goal was disallowed. Due to this, the Croatian fans, who were in a state of joy, got hurt and threw the bottles on the ground.
This is the result for Portugal. Ronaldo scored India's first knockout goal in his sixth consecutive World Cup and then transferred. But Gonzalo Ramos scored the winning goal for Portugal in the 94th minute. Modric led his team on the important stage and could not hold on in the final knockout time.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic commented that "controversial refereeing killed our emotions, took away the joy of football". Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said, "The latest technology is perfect for a big match like this."
This will be the 23rd World Cup match of Modric's career. He himself said that the past was the turning point of his football career.
Portugal finished the group stage stronger with this match. While Ronaldo's "last dance" was still going on, Modric felt it was 'time to break up'. In the modern football scene where VAR is a key player in the game, this decision has sent the football world into a frenzy.