FIFA has issued a statement clarifying the controversial VAR decision that ruled out Croatia's goal in their 2-1 loss to Portugal in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday. The match, which saw Portugal advance to face Spain, was marked by fan protests and a delayed finish after bottles were thrown onto the pitch.
FIFA Statement on Disallowed Goal
According to FIFA, the goal was disallowed using Connected Ball Technology housed within the Adidas Trionda match ball. The data proved that Croatia's Igor Matanović made contact with the ball in the build-up, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside. The decision sparked anger among Croatian fans, leading to the pitch invasion.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Historic Goal and Tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal, contributing to Portugal's dramatic victory. After the match, Ronaldo was seen hugging Luka Modric, likely marking Modric's final World Cup appearance. Ronaldo said he said his 'goodbyes' to his former Real Madrid teammate. The Portugal squad also paid tribute to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of his death, displaying a shirt with his number 21. Ronaldo posted: 'We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal!!! LET'S GO!!!!'
Spain and Switzerland Advance
Spain eased past Austria 3-0 with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal from Pedro Porro, though controversy arose when Marc Cucurella's goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Joe Hart. Switzerland secured a 2-0 win over Algeria with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, setting up a clash with the winner of Colombia vs Ghana.
Transfer and Other News
Newcastle and Chelsea target Johann Manzambi delivered what fans called 'the best assist of the World Cup', earning the nickname 'beast' online. Justin Bieber is reportedly in talks to perform at the World Cup final alongside Shakira and Madonna. Spain's Lamine Yamal expressed his desire to face Ronaldo, saying it would be 'an honour to play against him'. Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to accept the Germany national team job after Julian Nagelsmann's expected dismissal. Tensions flared between Egypt and US security when a child was blocked from taking a photo with a player, leading to a heated exchange involving team manager Ibrahim Hassan.
