In a thrilling encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1, thanks to a late goal from Goncalo Ramos. However, the match's outcome was nearly altered when Josko Gvardiol seemingly scored a last-minute equalizer for Croatia, only for the goal to be disallowed after a VAR review.

Controversial Offside Decision

During the 12th minute of stoppage time, Gvardiol's goal appeared to bring Croatia level. Yet, after consulting the monitor, the referee ruled the goal offside. The officials determined that Igor Matanovic had made contact with the ball, which placed Gvardiol in an offside position. Had Matanovic not touched the ball, Gvardiol would have been onside, and the goal would have counted.

Technology's Role in the Decision

The disallowed goal was influenced by advanced technology used during the tournament. The Adidas Trionda ball, equipped with a chip known as Connected Ball, played a crucial role in the VAR review process. Initially, it seemed that Matanovic had not touched the ball, suggesting Gvardiol was onside. However, the VAR utilized the ball's technology to reveal a distortion in the audio wavelength graphic, confirming that Matanovic did indeed make contact as the ball passed by his head.

This innovative use of technology underscores the evolving nature of officiating in football, ensuring that critical decisions are made with the highest level of accuracy. Ultimately, Portugal's victory was preserved, allowing them to advance in the tournament.