2026 World Cup: Luka Modric reveals who caused Croatia’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal

Croatian legend, Luka Modric, has revealed that the video assistant referee negatively impacted Croatia during their 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the 2026 round of 32.

This follows the Croatians’ belief that they were unjustly penalised with a controversial penalty and that a late goal they scored was disallowed for offside against Portugal.

Modric proposed that VAR should be utilised when the margin of error exceeds 200%. He further expressed that fate ultimately determines the outcomes of such situations and encouraged his teammates to move forward.

He stated via Marca, “That is why I assert that it should be employed if the error is 200%. If you can manage a situation in one way or another, you have no influence. This frustrates me and consistently harms us. What is, is…

“Let us proceed; we will not complain, but certainly, certain matters trouble me because fate dictates, it influences the mood for everything you undertake, what you sacrifice, you exhaust yourself, you struggle…”

In the match, Ivan Perisic (53′) capitalised on a cross from Ante Budimir and struck the ball into the net, giving Croatia the lead. Just two minutes later (55′), Igor Matanovic believed he had increased the lead, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Nikola Vlasic (63′) was penalised for holding Renato Veiga with both hands in the penalty area, resulting in Portugal being awarded a penalty kick, which Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted. Goncalo Ramos (90+4′) scored with a header from Rafael Leao’s cross, putting Portugal ahead 2-1.

Josko Gvardiol (90+13′) thought he had netted the goal that would have taken the match into extra time. However, this goal was also disallowed for offside in the build-up. Portugal had two goals disallowed for offside during the match against Croatia, concluding the game with a score of 2-1.