Story perspectives

Zlatan Calls VAR Robbery After Croatia Goal Disallowed.

7/4/2026

Summary

Ibrahimovic Blasts VAR

A VAR decision disallowed Croatia’s 2-2 equaliser, ending a chance to set up a Portugal-Spain last-16 clash.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former striker and Fox Sports pundit, called the call a robbery and suggested a ball-sensor malfunction.
He argued that Renato Veiga (Portugal number 13) touched the ball, eliminating any offside.
He added that Croatia’s number 20 neither touched nor altered the ball’s trajectory.

Summary

Ramos Wins

Gonçalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner in added time, sending Portugal to the round of 16.
VAR reviewed a slight brush by Igor Matanovic on the cross after Connected Ball Technology detected it.
VAR cancelled Mario Pašalic’s off-side goal, confirming Portugal’s advancement.
Luka Modric said the 2026 World Cup will likely be his last, as he will be 44.
Croatia announced a period of reflection and rebuilding after the defeat.

Summary

FIFA Confirms Sensor

FIFA confirmed that a sensor inside the Adidas Trionda ball recorded Croatia’s No. 20 Igor Matanovic’s slight touch, triggering the off-side ruling.
FIFA’s semi-automated off-side guidance says a player’s hair only matters if it significantly changes the ball’s trajectory, excluding ordinary loose hair.
Officials saw a “heartbeat graphic” spike during the broadcast review, showing how ball-sensor data can speed decisions and affect knockout-round betting markets.

Summary

**NFL Adopts Ball-Spot**

The match’s ultra-precise VAR performance is being cited as a catalyst for the NFL to accelerate adoption of ball-spot technology.
The NFL still determines ball location by officials’ judgment despite using chip-based line-to-gain systems.
NFL officials historically adopt rule changes incrementally, often only after a non-reviewable incident forces revision.
Accurate spot calls affect coaching careers, betting markets, and could generate revenue eliminating guesswork, as highlighted by World Cup VAR success.

History

Historical Context

After a decade of opposition, FIFA and the International Football Association Board approved goal-line technology in July 2012, following the Lampard error at the 2010 World Cup. Trials at the 2013 Confederations Cup led to the 14-camera GoalControl system debut at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, where France’s goal against Honduras became the first confirmed use.

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Ibrahimovic Blasts VAR

A VAR decision disallowed Croatia’s 2-2 equaliser, ending a chance to set up a Portugal-Spain last-16 clash.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former striker and Fox Sports pundit, called the call a robbery and suggested a ball-sensor malfunction.
He argued that Renato Veiga (Portugal number 13) touched the ball, eliminating any offside.
He added that Croatia’s number 20 neither touched nor altered the ball’s trajectory.

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