FIFA has backed the VAR decision to disallow Croatia's late equaliser against Portugal, saying technology inside the World Cup ball detected a touch by Igor Matanovic. That touch meant Mario Pasalic was offside in the move that ended with Josko Gvardiol scoring.
Portugal had gone 2-1 ahead through Gonçalo Ramos in added time before Croatia appeared to find a dramatic response. The goal was initially awarded on the pitch, but referee Espen Eskas reviewed the incident at the monitor and the equaliser was overturned.
The key issue was whether Matanovic had touched Ivan Perisic's delivery before the ball reached Pasalic. FIFA said the Connected Ball Technology in the Adidas Trionda registered slight contact, displayed to viewers through a spike-style graphic, giving officials the evidence used to rule offside.
The incident adds another high-profile example to the debate over semi-automated and sensor-assisted officiating. For supporters, the decision may show how technology can clarify tiny margins; for critics, it raises questions about transparency, trust and how much explanation fans need in real time.
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