Luka Modric has launched a scathing attack on VAR after Croatia's controversial 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the World Cup round of 32. The Real Madrid midfielder claimed the technology is used selectively and favoured bigger teams, leaving Croatian players in tears at the final whistle.
Controversial Penalty Decision
Croatia took the lead through Ivan Perisic in the second half, but Portugal equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Referee determined that Nikola Vlasic fouled Renato Veiga in the box. Modric insisted the contact was minimal and mutual.
"This is no penalty. Both teams are replaying, pushing, Vlasic didn't pull it, he held it, and both of them fell. That's why you can't judge a penalty like that in a game like this," Modric said via Sportske Novosti.
Offside Drama in Added Time
Portugal took the lead through Goncalo Ramos in the fourth minute of added time. Croatia thought they had equalised through Josko Gvardiol, but another VAR review ruled the goal out for offside. Replays showed Igor Matanovic got the slightest touch on a cross that fell to Mario Pasalic, who was offside.
Modric questioned the evidence: "He says Matanovic touched the ball, but we watched the footage, there's no evidence that he touched the ball. If he doesn't touch the ball, it's not offside."
Modric's Broader Criticism of VAR
The 40-year-old midfielder revealed he has always been sceptical of VAR. "I said about VAR in the beginning, when it was first introduced, that I didn't like it. Later, over time, it's good for some things, but they use it incorrectly or use it selectively, or depending on the size of the team."
He argued VAR should only intervene for clear errors: "VAR should intervene if it's 200 per cent a mistake, but if it's not, if it's in the grey zone, you have no say in it. There's no point in calling VAR."
Emotional Aftermath
The result left Croatian players inconsolable on the pitch, with Mateo Kovacic seen in tears. Modric directed his frustration at the officials: "You are to blame for that, and it is always to our detriment."
Despite the disappointment, Modric praised his team's performance: "We can be proud of how we played, how we fought, how we represented Croatia, especially in the second half. That is the Croatia that everyone knows about, why we are so respected and loved in the world."
What's Next
Portugal advance to face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday night at 8pm local time at Dallas Stadium. For Croatia, the tournament ends in heartbreak, with Modric hinting at moving on: "Nothing, let's move on, now we reset, and that's it."
