Croatia forward Igor Matanovic has admitted that he made 'slight contact' with the ball using his hair, leading to a late equaliser being ruled out for offside in a 2-1 World Cup defeat against Portugal.
VAR Drama Unfolds in Added Time
Croatia thought they had secured a dramatic equaliser in the 13th minute of added time through Josko Gvardiol. However, a VAR review showed that Matanovic touched the ball in the build-up, using technology similar to that seen in cricket to determine the decision.
Speaking after the game, via A Bola, Matanovic said: 'Honestly, I think I felt a slight contact with my hair. I asked the referee, I wasn't 100 per cent sure if I had touched him. He told me that they have a chip in the ball, that there was a slight contact and that, therefore, it was offside.'
Matanovic Reflects on Disappointment
Matanovic expressed his frustration: 'It's difficult to find the right words after the game. We played very well in the second half and deserved more. I haven't seen the penalty yet, but if this is given... Three goals, offside, a post... I have no words, we were very unlucky today.'
The decision proved pivotal as Croatia exited the tournament, with Portugal advancing to the next stage.
