Croatia’s World Cup Goal Disallowed by Chip in Ball, Coach Dalic Expresses Frustration with VAR

A dramatic late equalizer for Croatia in their World Cup 2026 encounter with Portugal was controversially disallowed, a decision attributed to advanced technology within the match ball. Joško Gvardiol’s strike in the 13th minute of stoppage time was ultimately ruled out after FIFA confirmed that data from a chip inside the ball indicated an offside infringement in the build-up.

The ruling, announced by FIFA via their X (formerly Twitter) account, has ignited a fresh debate about the role and implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in football.

Dalic’s Strong Reaction to VAR

Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalić did not hold back in his criticism of the VAR system, expressing deep frustration with its perceived impact on the game’s natural flow and excitement. According to reports, he stated that the technology “kills everything in you,” suggesting it saps the passion and spontaneity from crucial moments.

The coach’s sentiments reflect a growing unease among some football figures regarding the extent to which technology is influencing match outcomes, sometimes in ways that feel overly technical and detached from the on-field action. The decision to disallow a goal based on minute data from a ball chip, even if technically accurate according to the rules, has been difficult for players and fans to accept.

The 2026 World Cup has seen increased integration of technology aimed at improving decision-making accuracy. The chip in the ball is part of a suite of innovations designed to provide real-time data for offside calls and other critical judgments. However, this incident highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing technological advancement with the traditional spirit and emotional resonance of the sport.

Impact on the Match and Tournament

The disallowed goal had significant implications for the match between Croatia and Portugal, potentially altering the course of their World Cup campaign. While the specific context of the offside is not detailed in the provided summary, the decision’s timing and the basis for it have undoubtedly left a bitter taste for the Croatian squad and their supporters.

This incident is likely to fuel further discussions at FIFA and among member associations about the transparency and application of VAR. The desire for fair play and accurate decisions is paramount, but the method by which these decisions are reached, and their impact on the game’s narrative, remains a critical point of contention.

Key facts

The implications of this decision extend beyond this single match. It raises questions about how such technology will be used in future high-stakes games and what level of accuracy and transparency will be expected. For fans of the game, the debate continues over whether these technological interventions enhance or detract from the overall footballing experience.

Source: De Telegraaf Voetbal – https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/chip-in-wk-bal-leidt-tot-afkeuring-kroatisch-doelpunt-bondscoach-dalic-helemaal-klaar-met-var-het-doodt-alles-in-je/158204748.html