Snicko sensor sparks VAR clash as Croatia protests disallowed goal

In of the Portugal‑Croatia World Cup knockout, Josko Gvardiol's 103rd‑minute strike was ruled out for off‑side after VAR consulted the new ‘snicko’ ball‑sensor, igniting fury among Croatian players and supporters. The review focused on whether Igor Matanović had touched the ball, and fan protests led to a five‑minute halt.

The official World Cup ball, Trionda, incorporates the latest adidas Connected Ball Technology, a chip system mounted on the ball’s side. The system records every ball contact, however minute, and transmits real‑time data to the VAR centre, where AI assists officials in off‑side rulings.

In the Portugal‑Croatia clash, the controversy centred on whether Igor Matanović had lightly headed the ball before it travelled from Portuguese defender Veiga to Pašalić, who was in an off‑side position. VAR summoned referee Espen Eskås to the screen, where a spike on the snicko sensor confirmed Matanović’s touch, prompting the goal’s disallowance.

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacted sharply, stating, “Football can be incredibly cruel. I think Croatia has every reason to feel robbed.” He added that a last‑second knockout goal should be unmistakable, not subject to a VAR dispute.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher called the decision “the most controversial off‑side call we have seen at this World Cup.” He argued that freezing footage to find the smallest reason to cancel a goal erodes public confidence in VAR.

Croatian supporters expressed their anger by hurling bottles and cans onto the pitch, forcing a five‑minute interruption to play. The unrest underscored the emotional intensity surrounding the disallowed equaliser.

FIFA issued an official statement after the match, confirming that data from the Connected Ball Technology proved Matanović had struck the ball, justifying the off‑side ruling. Portugal, with Diogo Jota guarding the net, ultimately knocked Croatia out of the tournament after a dramatic second‑half comeback.