Dalic Criticises VAR After Croatia Exit as Coaches Pay Tribute to Luka Modric

Posted : 03 July 2026

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic launched a passionate criticism of VAR after his side's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the FIFA World Cup round of 32, claiming the technology is stripping football of its emotion. Croatia were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion after a stoppage-time equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy video review in Toronto.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net deep into stoppage time. However, VAR intervened after the connected match ball detected a slight touch from Igor Matanovic during the build-up while Mario Pasalic was in an offside position. The goal was subsequently disallowed, ending Croatia's World Cup campaign.

Speaking after the match, Dalic admitted technology can improve officiating but argued it comes at the cost of the sport's emotional appeal. He said the celebrations and excitement generated by dramatic moments are being taken away, leaving players, coaches and supporters frustrated by lengthy reviews and technical decisions.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended the decision, insisting there was no room for debate because the technology clearly showed the decisive touch. He explained that the chip inside the ball confirmed contact from Matanovic, which automatically placed Pasalic in an offside position, making the intervention both objective and correct. Martinez added that while the outcome was painful for Croatia, technology had ensured the right decision was reached.

The controversial incident has intensified discussion around FIFA's use of connected-ball technology, which has already influenced several decisions during the 2026 World Cup. The system combines sensors inside the match ball with semi-automated offside technology to help officials detect even the slightest touches that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Despite the disappointment, the post-match focus also turned to Croatia captain Luka Modric, who is widely expected to have played his final World Cup match. The 40-year-old midfielder shared an emotional embrace with Cristiano Ronaldo after the final whistle, marking what could be the end of an extraordinary international career.

Dalic praised Modric's influence on Croatian football, describing him as a leader who continued to inspire the team until the very end. He expressed sadness that such a distinguished World Cup career ended in defeat, while acknowledging the midfielder's enormous contribution to Croatia's successes over the past decade.

Martinez was equally complimentary, saying Modric had inspired generations of young footballers with his intelligence, composure and understanding of the game. The Portugal coach highlighted the veteran's unique ability to control matches through his decision-making, describing him as a player whose legacy will remain part of football history.

Modric played a central role in Croatia's run to the 2018 World Cup final and their third-place finish in Qatar four years later. Although Croatia's latest campaign ended earlier than hoped, Dalic expressed confidence in the next generation of players and believes the national team has a bright future despite the likely departure of one of its greatest-ever footballers.

Dalic Criticises VAR After Croatia Exit as Coaches Pay Tribute to Luka Modric

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