Croatian players are unhappy after losing a World Cup match to Portugal. They spoke out against FIFA and the referees. The team believes a rule concerning the ball's technology unfairly ended their tournament. This frustration came after a crucial goal was disallowed.
Josko Gvardiol scored a goal in the 103rd minute that would have tied the game. However, the Video Assistant Referee VAR reviewed the play. Officials decided the goal should not stand.
The VAR review found that a teammate of Gvardiol was in an offside position before the goal. This teammate had headed the ball to another player who then passed it to Gvardiol. The referee followed the offside rule.
Players suggested that this rule, related to the specific ball technology used in the World Cup, impacted the decision. They feel the technology may have influenced how the offside call was made or interpreted.
The team's exit from the World Cup has led to these public complaints. They are questioning the fairness of the technology and its application in critical moments.
These claims highlight a concern about how modern technology affects football matches. The proper application of rules and technology is important for fair play.
An official statement from FIFA regarding these complaints has not yet been released. The outcome of the match stands.