VAR denies Croatia goal and Portugal advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic finish at the stadium. Gonçalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header proved decisive, and a stoppage-time Croatia effort that appeared to level the match was overturned after a video review, leaving Portugal to celebrate a 2-1 victory.
The late decision spurred immediate debate among players and fans. Croatia protested that Igor Matanovic did not touch the ball in the build-up to the goal, while match officials relied on video review and data reported to come from a chip inside the match ball to conclude there had been contact and an offside in the sequence.
VAR denies Croatia goal
The match swung in the final minutes. Portugal moved ahead when Gonçalo Ramos rose to head home in the 94th minute, a dramatic response that appeared to seal the result. Croatia then mounted an immediate counter and thought they had salvaged a draw in stoppage time.
After the late finish, the on-field decision was sent to the video assistant referee for review. The VAR team flagged an offside in the attacking sequence involving Mario Pasalic, and the on-field referee ultimately disallowed the goal. With the equalizer overturned, the official final score was Portugal 2, Croatia 1.
The ruling ended the match and Croatia’s run in the tournament, with players and staff on both sides visibly upset as the referee signaled the decision. Observers noted the tight margins and the reliance on multiple data sources during the review.
How VAR and the ball chip worked in the review
Match officials used standard VAR protocols to assess whether an offside had occurred before Croatia’s stoppage-time strike. According to reporting on the game, referees referenced data from a chip embedded in the ball alongside video replay to help time contacts during the sequence.
Croatia disputed the finding, arguing that substitute Igor Matanovic did not make contact with the ball and therefore could not have influenced the offside call on Mario Pasalic. The officiating team, per match reporting, determined that the ball-chip data and the video evidence together supported the conclusion that there had been contact and an offside in the build-up.
Different viewpoints persisted after the match, with some analysts and supporters saying replays looked inconclusive and others noting that the added data stream gives referees a clearer chronology to apply the offside law. The disallowed goal was reported by the match coverage as the tournament’s 10th goal overturned by VAR—an accounting attributed to the same reporting source.
Ronaldo records and the on-field tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo played a central role in Portugal’s comeback. He converted a penalty after a foul in Croatia’s box in the 67th minute to level the match before Ramos’ late winner. That penalty made Ronaldo the oldest player to both appear in and score in a World Cup knockout match at 41 years and 147 days, according to match reports.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo participated in an emotional postgame moment with his teammates. He donned teammate Diogo Jota’s shirt and joined the squad for a pitch-side photo holding the jersey. The image circulated as a personal, team-focused tribute; reporting on the match presented it as part of the players’ celebration and solidarity following a tense finish.
Implications: Portugal advances, Spain next
Portugal’s victory sets up a marquee Round of 16 meeting with Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. The fixture pairs two strong European sides with contrasting approaches: Spain’s possession-oriented style versus Portugal’s dynamic attacking options.
Portugal must now recover from the emotional late drama and prepare tactically for a Spain side that will be confident after a convincing win earlier in the day. The narrow, controversial nature of this victory means the teams will approach the knockout tie with added intensity and focus.
Match facts and source attribution
- Final score: Portugal 2, Croatia 1.
- Scorers: Ivan Perisic opened for Croatia; Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty for Portugal; Gonçalo Ramos scored the 94th-minute winner.
- Key incidents: Ronaldo penalty (67th minute); Ramos header (94th minute); late Croatia goal disallowed after VAR review for an offside involving Mario Pasalic.
- VAR note: Match reporting indicates officials referenced ball-chip data alongside video replay during the review; that reporting also described this as the tournament’s 10th goal overturned by VAR.
Source: Match coverage and reporting from Fox News. Details on the ball-chip data, the disputed Igor Matanovic contact and the count of VAR-overruled goals are reported by Fox News’ match report: Fox News – VAR denies Croatia’s game-tying goal as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to Round of 16.
FAQs
Why was the Croatia goal disallowed?
Officials concluded there was an offside in the attacking sequence before Croatia’s stoppage-time finish. Croatia argued a substitute did not touch the ball in the build-up; the VAR review referenced video and reported ball-chip data and led referees to overturn the goal.
What records did Cristiano Ronaldo set?
Ronaldo became the oldest player to appear in and to score in a World Cup knockout match, at 41 years and 147 days, after converting his second-half penalty.
When do Portugal play Spain?
Portugal faces Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on July 6, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET.
