FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal's coach Martinez defends VAR decisions after Croatia win
Toronto, July 3
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended the Video Assistant Referee decisions in his side's dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, insisting the match officials made the correct calls, according to Reuters.
Speaking after Portugal booked their place in the Round of 16 on Thursday (local time), Martinez rejected suggestions that Croatia had been denied a legitimate second goal following a late VAR intervention.
"There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate," Martinez said when asked if Croatia had been robbed of a second goal by VAR, as quoted by Reuters.
"The chip ball showed that it was offside, the penalty was also clear. I understand the work of (Croatia coach Zlatko) Dalic in this team and it is a shame that there was only one winner today," he added.
Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo equalising from the penalty spot after a VAR review before substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner. Croatia also had two goals ruled out for offside, including a dramatic late equaliser after another VAR check.
Looking ahead to Portugal's Round of 16 clash against reigning European champions Spain, Martinez anticipated a high-quality contest between two of Europe's leading footballing nations.
"We respect the quality of Spain. I think it is going to be a fantastic match, it is going to be the European game of this World Cup," he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Martinez also joked about the emotional toll of Portugal's dramatic knockout victory. "I have lost my hair through this, but I think it is worth it," the Portugal coach remarked.
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with substitute Goncalo Ramos heading home a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16.
Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.
Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ronaldo still delivering at 41! That's what legends do. The VAR decisions were tight but correct - the chip ball technology showed offside clearly. Croatia fans can complain but rules are rules. Portugal vs Spain will be like India vs Pakistan in cricket - pure tension! 🇵🇹⚽
As someone who watches both cricket and football, I think VAR has gone too far. In cricket, the umpire's call still respects human judgment. Here, every celebration gets killed by a millimeter offside check. Croatia's equalizer was disallowed by a frozen frame decision. Not fair to the sport.
Great match! I'm just happy Portugal won - Ronaldo's penalty was clear as day. Croatia had their chances but football is about finishing your opportunities. And let's be honest, seeing Modric potentially play his last World Cup is emotional. Pure class player. Respect to both teams. 👏
This is getting ridiculous. Two goals disallowed for Croatia? Come on, Martinez saying "we were fortunate" is an understatement. In India we have a saying - 'jo hota hai, acche ke liye hota hai' but this just feels like Portugal got lucky. Spain will expose their defense.
VAR or no VAR, football is about passion! That last-minute header by Ramos gave me chills. Portugal vs Spain is going to be epic - similar to how we feel about India-Australia finals. The European game of the tournament indeed! Can't wait! 🇮🇳⚽🔥
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