'VAR Should Only Correct Clear Errors': Luka Modric Fumes After Croatia's World Cup Defeat

Croatia captain Luka Modric has launched a scathing criticism of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system following his side's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 exit against Portugal, questioning the consistency of officiating after a controversial penalty and a disallowed stoppage-time equaliser.

'VAR should only intervene in clear errors'

Modric said Croatia deserved more from the match and argued that the penalty awarded to Portugal should never have stood. He also suggested that major footballing nations often receive more favourable decisions in crucial 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 via 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.

The veteran midfielder reiterated his long-standing reservations about VAR, saying the technology should only be used to overturn obvious officiating mistakes rather than marginal calls that can decide major matches.

Late drama ends Croatia's World Cup campaign

Portugal secured qualification when Goncalo Ramos headed home a dramatic winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1.

Croatia thought they had forced extra time nine minutes later after Josko Gvardiol found the net, triggering wild celebrations among the players and supporters.

The goal was initially awarded, with Matanovic appearing not to have made contact with Ivan Perisic's cross before Mario Pasalic became involved in the move. However, referee Espen Eskas was instructed to review the incident after Connected Ball Technology detected a slight touch from Matanovic, reportedly no more than a brush off his hair.

Connected Ball Technology proves decisive

According to Goal.com, the contact was not visible on television replays but proved decisive in the final outcome.

The touch meant Pasalic had received the ball from a teammate while in an offside position before assisting Gvardiol. Following the VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, ending Croatia's hopes of a comeback and confirming Portugal's place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup.

(With inputs from ANI)