Croatia's World Cup exit sparks VAR controversy and coaching overhaul

Croatia were eliminated 2‑1 by Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 after a decisive VAR intervention. In stoppage time, Joško Gvardiol’s equaliser was disallowed because a sensor in the ball registered a minimal contact between Igor Matanović’s hair and the ball, which officials said allowed Marijo Pašalić to be off‑side. The decision ignited widespread criticism from players such as Ivan Perišić, former stars Zlatan Ibrahimović and Mate Bilić, and VAR specialist Lada Rojc, who defended the technology. FIFA later posted an updated “EKG” graphic showing both Matanović’s touch and Portugal’s Renato Veiga’s involvement, but doubts about the graphic’s timing persisted.

Amid the fallout, the future of head coach Zlatko Dalić became a central issue. The Croatian Football Federation set a Wednesday deadline for Dalić to announce his plans. Media reports indicated that former national team manager Slaven Bilić is the federation’s preferred successor, with Ivica Olić also mentioned as a possible candidate. Fans greeted the squad at Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman Airport, displaying banners and chants in support of the team and Dalić.

The episode has highlighted ongoing debates over VAR’s role in football, the transparency of technology‑driven decisions, and the direction of the Croatian national team after the end of what many consider a golden generation led by Luka Modrić.