Controversy? Built-in chip disallowed Croatia's dramatic equalizer! Fans enraged: Throwing water bottles in protest of the decision

In a crucial Round of 16 match at the World Cup, which ended on July 3rd Beijing time, Croatia lost 1-2 to Portugal, missing out on a spot in the last 16. In this game, Croatia thought they had scored an equalizer in stoppage time, but it was controversially ruled out.[Watch the World Cup on Migu Video]

The goal was scored by Gvardiol in the 11th minute of added time. However, as the Croatian players celebrated wildly, VAR suddenly intervened. After reviewing the play, the referee determined it was offside, and the goal was disallowed.

The official broadcast showed the detection image from the chip inside the ball. The chip detected that Croatian player Matanović, who was in an offside position, had touched the ball, so the potential equalizer was ultimately ruled offside and invalid.

This explanation sparked strong dissatisfaction among Croatian players, including Modrić. As the final whistle blew, Croatian players collapsed to the ground, with players like Kovačić in tears. Modrić, playing in his World Cup farewell match, looked confused and dejected.

Croatian fans were furious at this point. They threw numerous plastic bottles onto the pitch in protest. Post-match, the disallowed equalizer will undoubtedly spark heated debate among fans and media.

Despite Croatia's anger, according to analysis account Archivo VAR's explanation on social media, the disallowed goal was indeed correct. Because Matanović did touch the ball.

Archivo VAR wrote: "From the second frame, you can see that a small part of the ball was above this Croatian player's head, so this slight touch is beyond doubt."

To have a potential equalizer disallowed due to such a fine touch, leading to a heartbreaking exit, this Croatian team's World Cup journey was indeed tragic.

Watch the World Cup on Migu Video. The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is in full swing. Watch all matches of the 48 World Cup teams on Migu Video.