The federation questioned why, after VAR intervention, Portugal was awarded a penalty that allowed them to tie the game.
On Wednesday, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) sent a letter to FIFA requesting explanations for refereeing and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that influenced their elimination.
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The Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti published the letter, sent the day after the Round of 32 match against Portugal, demanding clarification to avoid future “misunderstandings” and “injustices” in international competitions.
The HNS denounced the disallowance of three goals in the second half for alleged offside positions, including a goal in stoppage time that would have tied the game against Portugal.
The federation questioned why, after VAR intervention, Portugal was awarded a penalty that allowed them to tie the game, even though the referee had a direct view of the play and initially did not call the foul.
Sergej Jakirović on Croatia’s World Cup exit:
"The most important thing was getting through the group, especially considering the problems we had. Luka, Kovačić and Gvardiol all had injuries.
It’s a shame about that strand of hair, especially when I read the rule stating… pic.twitter.com/Ghtqm6p3G2
— Croatian Football (@CroatiaFooty) July 13, 2026
According to the HNS, the action did not constitute a “serious unseen incident,” a category that would justify a VAR review, raising doubts about the correct application of FIFA’s refereeing protocol.
Norwegian referee Espen Eskas disallowed Josko Gvardiol’s goal in the 103rd minute for an alleged offside by Mario Pasalic, a decision considered particularly controversial by the Croatian federation in its official statement.
FIFA explained that the Connected Ball technology, integrated into the official match ball, registered a touch by Igor Matanovic, allowing them to rule offside and disallow the goal.
The federation concluded that it is “fundamentally wrong” for an almost imperceptible vibration recorded by a sensor to decide the outcome of such an important match, insisting on the need for greater clarity and transparency in refereeing.
The road to the final four is filled with more than just goals and victories.
From remarkable coincidences to fascinating facts, discover the stories that connect the four remaining teams in the FIFA World Cup.#FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #Argentina #Football… pic.twitter.com/M22UoG6ICp
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 14, 2026
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Source: EFE
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