Modric Slams VAR After Croatia's Exit: 'You Can't Decide a Match Like This'

Croatia captain Luka Modric has criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after his country's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, objecting to the penalty awarded to Portugal and the disallowed Croatian goal in stoppage time.

Modric stated: "The referee said he touched the ball, but we watched the replays and videos, and there is no evidence anywhere that he did. If he didn't touch the ball, then it's not an offside situation," referring to the disallowed goal after smart ball technology confirmed a touch from striker Igor Matanuvich before the ball reached his offside teammate.

The Croatian captain added: "I said from the beginning when video technology was introduced that I didn't like it. It is useful in some matters, but it is used incorrectly or selectively. VAR should only intervene if there is a clear mistake by 200%."

The Croatian star criticized the penalty awarded to Portugal after consulting VAR, saying: "The incident today was never a penalty. There was a tug between both parties, and they fell together. You can't decide a match with such a penalty."

Modric's comments came after a match that saw widespread refereeing controversy, with three Croatian goals disallowed, while FIFA and Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez defended the officiating decisions, asserting that smart ball technology confirmed the touch that led to the offside, and that the decisions were correct according to the law.