Dalic questions VAR after controversial Portugal defeat
The head coach of the Croatian national team Zlatko Dalic has slammed the officiating of his team’s Round of 32 game against Portugal at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
Dalic who spoke to newsmen after the game described the officiating of the match by the referee as “very bad” and criticized VAR for “killing the emotions” and joy of football.
He expressed disappointment over the late stoppage-time equalizer by Joško Gvardiol which was later disallowed by the referee but Dalic also admitted that his team should have capitalized on their earlier chances created in the encounter.
“It was very bad refereeing,” Dalic told reporters, saying he felt his team should have been given more free kicks.
“But Croatia lost. I’m not going to find any excuses,” the 59-year-old added. “We could have won this earlier.”
Read Also: How Ronaldo, Ramos helped Portugal beat Croatia amid controversy
Croatia took the lead in the crunchy encounter when striker Ivan Perisic fired home a low strike in the 53rd minute of the game after receiving a decisive pass from his teammate, Josip Stanisic.
Cristian Ronaldo made history as the oldest scorer in World Cup knockout history, when he scored from the penalty spot to equalize for Portugal in the 58th minute to make it 1-1.
Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos sealed the game for his teammates with a second goal in the 94th minute with a header after Rafael Leao sent in a well weighted cross into the 18-yard box of the Croatian defense line.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admitted after the game that they were fortunate to hold onto their lead but fully understood the frustration of the Croatian camp following a disallowed late goal.
“There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate,” said Martinez when asked if Croatia had been robbed of a second goal by VAR.
“The chip ball showed that it was offside, the penalty was also clear. I understand the work of (Croatia coach Zlatko) Dalic in this team and it is shame that there was only one winner today.”
