Croatia’s heartbreaking FIFA World Cup 2026 exit against Portugal ended in chaotic scenes as furious supporters hurled bottles and cans onto the pitch after a dramatic late equaliser was ruled out by VAR
in the Round of 32 clash in Toronto on Friday.
The incident unfolded deep into stoppage time after Croatia thought they had rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw. With Portugal leading 2-1 courtesy of Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, the Croatians threw everything forward in search of one final chance.
Their moment appeared to arrive in the dying seconds.
A cross into the penalty area sparked a frantic scramble before Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol bundled the ball into the net, sending Croatia’s players and fans into wild celebrations as the match seemed destined for extra time.
Gvardiol goal in Portugal vs Croatia but RULED OFFSIDE pic.twitter.com/AnytKlXsrz
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) July 3, 2026
However, the celebrations were short-lived.
After a lengthy VAR review, referee Espen Eskas disallowed the goal for offside. The review showed that Igor Matanovic had made the slightest touch on the incoming cross before it reached Mario Pasalic, who was standing in an offside position when the ball was played. Pasalic’s involvement in the move meant Gvardiol’s finish could not stand.
The decision stunned the Croatian players, but it sparked even greater anger in the stands.
🚨🇭🇷 Croatia fans threw trash onto the pitch after Joško Gvardiol’s goal against Portugal was ruled out.
pic.twitter.com/48Ulkggj4d— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) July 3, 2026
As Portugal prepared to restart play, sections of the Croatia support began throwing bottles and cans onto the field in protest. The shower of objects forced a brief delay as stadium staff and security rushed onto the pitch to clear the debris before the closing moments could resume.
Veteran winger Ivan Perisic, who had earlier opened the scoring for Croatia in the 53rd minute, walked towards the travelling supporters in an attempt to calm tensions as frustration threatened to spill over.
The disallowed goal proved to be the final twist in a dramatic contest. Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from the penalty spot before Ramos’ stoppage-time winner looked to have settled the tie. Gvardiol’s late strike briefly reignited Croatian hopes, only for VAR to deliver the final blow.
