Dennis Higler to assist VAR in Portugal‑Croatia World Cup clash

Dennis Higler will serve as assistant VAR for the World Cup round‑of‑16 match between Portugal and Croatia, scheduled for 01:00 Dutch time on Friday night in Toronto, Canada. The fixture is a knockout‑stage encounter, with Norwegian referee Espen Eskas appointed to lead the officiating team. Higler’s involvement confirms his status as a World Cup VAR official. This is his second knockout‑stage assignment, having served as VAR in the France‑Sweden encounter on Tuesday night. The France‑Sweden match was overseen by VAR lead Danny Makkelie, who coordinated the video review team. Higler worked under Makkelie’s direction during that game.

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For the Portugal‑Croatia tie, Higler will operate as assistant VAR, supporting the primary VAR officials in reviewing incidents. His duties include communicating with the on‑field referee and managing the VAR technology. Espen Eskas, a Norwegian referee, has been appointed to control the match on the pitch. The officiating crew will rely on the VAR team, including Higler, to ensure accurate decisions. Both Portugal and Croatia are set to compete in their first round‑of‑16 match of the tournament. Higler’s performance will be closely watched as the World Cup progresses.