FIFA World Cup 2026: Luka Modric slams VAR after Croatia's WC exit
Toronto, July 3
Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's FIFA World Cup exit to Portugal, claiming his side was harshly treated following a controversial penalty decision and a disallowed late equaliser.
He questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested that bigger footballing nations often receive more favourable calls in key moments.
Modric reiterated his long-standing concerns about VAR, arguing that the technology is being applied inconsistently across matches. He said it should only intervene in situations involving a clear error, and suggested that Croatia have often been on the wrong end of tight, marginal decisions in key moments.
"Yes, we deserved a lot more. Some things didn't go our way. That penalty... If it were the other way around, VAR would never have been included. I said about VAR at the beginning, when it was first introduced, that I didn't like it, " Modric stated, as quoted by Jutarnji as per Goal.com.
"This is not a penalty. Both players are replaying, pushing. [Nikola] Vlasic did not pull it, he held it, and both fell. That is why you cannot judge such a penalty in a match like this. That is why I say it must be used if the mistake is 200 per cent. If you can treat something this way and that, you have no say in it. That annoys me and always works to our detriment," he added.
Portugal sealed qualification when Goncalo Ramos headed them into a 2-1 lead in the fourth minute of stoppage time. However, Croatia believed they had forced extra time nine minutes later when Josko Gvardiol found the back of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations.
The goal was initially awarded as it appeared Matanovic had not made contact with Ivan Perisic's cross before Mario Pasalic became involved in the move. But referee Espen Eskas was called to the pitchside monitor after Connected Ball Technology registered a slight touch from Matanovic, reportedly as minimal as a brush off his hair.
According to Goal.com, the contact was not visible in television replays, but it proved decisive. The touch meant Pasalic had received the ball from a teammate while in an offside position before setting up Gvardiol, prompting the goal to be overturned and ending Croatia's hopes of a comeback.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Modric makes a good point about bigger nations getting favourable calls. Look at how Portugal gets penalties in crucial moments while smaller teams like Croatia get their goals disallowed for a hair touch. It's like our cricket—teams like India or Australia get the benefit of doubt while others don't. VAR needs to be consistent or just scrap it. 😤
I actually don't mind the technology itself—the problem is how it's used. The ref should have more discretion. These millimetre decisions for offside or a slight touch are ruining the flow. Modric is 100% right that if it's not a clear and obvious error, leave it alone. Croatia played brilliantly. This tournament has been great but the officiating needs a overhaul.
As someone who watches both football and cricket, I feel like VAR has the same problems as DRS—it's meant to eliminate error but in practice it just creates new controversies. The Croatia vs Portugal match was incredible, but ending it on a technicality like that feels wrong. Modric deserved a fair exit. This might be his last World Cup and it's heartbreaking.
I'm a big fan of technology in sports, but this is just frustrating. If even the replays can't show a touch, how can VAR overturn it? The "clear and obvious" standard is gone. I agree with Modric that smaller nations always suffer. In India we know this feeling—when your team plays against a bigger side, decisions always seem to go against you. Heartbreak for Croatia. 💔
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