VAR Drama Sees Portugal Edge Croatia 2-1 to Reach World Cup Last 16

Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the next stage after a match heavily influenced by VAR decisions.

The game remained goalless through the first half, with both teams playing cautiously. Croatia broke the deadlock eight minutes after halftime when Ivan Perisic converted an accurate cross from Josip Stanisic in the 53rd minute. Croatia thought they had doubled their lead just three minutes later through Igor Matanovic, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Portugal fought back, with Rafael Leao hitting the post in the 58th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 61st minute. However, Portugal was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after a VAR review, which Cristiano Ronaldo calmly converted in the 68th minute to level the score at 1-1.

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After reviewing the replay, the referee changed his decision and awarded Portugal a penalty.

Croatia again found the net in the 80th minute through Petar Sucic, but this goal was also chalked off by VAR for offside. Portugal then snatched a late winner in the 90+4th minute when Goncalo Ramos headed home a cross from Rafael Leao. The drama continued as Josko Gvardiol appeared to score an equalizer in the 90+13th minute, but VAR intervened once more, disallowing the goal for offside and confirming Portugal's 2-1 victory.

In another Round of 16 match, Spain comfortably defeated Austria 3-0, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice. Spain's dominant performance saw them advance, while Croatia's World Cup journey concluded.

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The decision ensured Portugal maintained their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.