FIFA Clarifies VAR Decision: Croatia Goal Correctly Disallowed in Portugal Match
Connected Ball Technology confirmed Croatian striker was in offside position when goal was scored.
FIFA has officially addressed the controversial disallowed goal in the Croatia versus Portugal encounter, confirming that the decision to rule out Croatia's 103rd-minute equaliser was accurate according to advanced technology. The goal, which would have levelled the match in dramatic fashion, was deemed invalid after Connected Ball Technology identified a marginal touch by Igor Matanovic that placed Mario Pasalic in an offside position at the moment of the attempt.
The football governing body explained that the match ball's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor provided precise data supporting the VAR officials' call. This technology, which tracks the ball's exact position and movement, determined that Pasalic was beyond the last Portuguese defender when Matanovic made contact with the ball, making the goal technically invalid under offside regulations.
The incident occurred late in the match when Croatia was desperately seeking an equaliser. Portugal ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, but the disallowed goal sparked significant discussion about the use of cutting-edge technology in football decision-making. FIFA's Connected Ball Technology represents one of the most advanced systems currently deployed in international football, designed to eliminate human error in marginal offside decisions.
This clarification highlights how modern sports technology continues to shape competitive outcomes at the highest level. While such precise measurements can prove decisive, they also fuel ongoing debates about whether technology should be so determinative in sport. The incident underscores both the capabilities and controversies surrounding automated decision-making in international football competitions.
Source: Times of India
