Croatia were denied a late equaliser against Portugal by a VAR decision, prolonging Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup campaign while ending Luka Modric's.
Summary
According to BBC Sport, a controversial VAR call denied Croatia a late equaliser against Portugal, ensuring Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey continues while Luka Modric's tournament comes to an end. The decision has sparked debate over the use of technology in high-stakes matches.
The Details
BBC Sport reports that in a tense knockout encounter, Croatia thought they had scored a dramatic late equaliser, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review. The incident occurred in the closing stages, with Croatia pushing forward in search of a goal to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The referee, after consulting the pitchside monitor, overturned the initial decision to award the goal, much to the dismay of the Croatian players and fans.
The match saw two veteran stars—Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric—on opposite sides. Ronaldo, 38, is now one step closer to what could be his final World Cup appearance, while Modric, 37, exits the tournament. BBC Sport notes that the VAR call effectively prolonged Ronaldo's 'last dance' on the global stage while ending Modric's campaign.
What It Means
For Portugal, the victory keeps their World Cup dream alive and gives Ronaldo another chance to add to his legacy. For Croatia, the defeat marks the end of an era, as Modric likely played his last World Cup match. The VAR decision will be a talking point for days, highlighting the fine margins that define modern football. BBC Sport suggests that the controversy underscores the ongoing debate about technology's role in football, with some arguing it ensures fairness while others feel it disrupts the flow of the game.
For more World Cup coverage, visit BBC Sport's World Cup news.
Source: Reported by BBC Sport. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
