why Croatia’s goal did not count

Why Croatia’s Goal Did Not Count Against Portugal: VAR, Offside and the Rule Explained

ByBettingGuru Admin

Many fans are still asking the same question: Why Croatia’s goal did not count against Portugal?

The reason why Croatia’s goal did not count is that VAR identified an offside position in the build-up, with ball-tracking technology reportedly detecting a small touch before the ball reached Joško Gvardiol. Portugal went on to win the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match 2-1, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier equalised from the penalty spot. Reuters reported that Portugal advanced after a dramatic match in which Ivan Perišić had given Croatia the lead before Ronaldo and Ramos turned the game around.

For bettors, this was also a reminder of how quickly football betting markets can change. A late goal can affect match result bets, both teams to score, correct score, over/under goals and in-play betting slips within seconds.

For betting basics, read our sports betting terms explained guide or compare licensed operators on our best sports betting sites in South Africa page.

What Happened in Portugal vs Croatia?

Croatia thought they had scored a dramatic late equaliser through Joško Gvardiol. However, VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out for offside.

The Guardian reported that the final VAR incident came in the 103rd minute, when Gvardiol’s apparent equaliser was disallowed after technology detected a slight touch in the build-up. The same report said four goals were disallowed in the match, which added to the controversy and frustration around the game.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić was understandably frustrated, while Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended the decisions and said the technology made the calls clear. Reuters also reported that Martínez praised the referee and said both the penalty call and the offside decision were correct.

Why Did Croatia’s Goal Not Count?

The goal did not count because the officials judged that a Croatian player was in an offside position after a small touch in the build-up.

This is the key point: offside is judged at the moment the ball is last played or touched by a teammate. If the ball touches an attacking player before reaching another attacker who is beyond the second-last defender, the offside line can reset.

In this case, reports say technology detected a very small touch that was difficult to see clearly in real time. The New York Post reported that FIFA’s connected ball technology helped detect the contact, which led to the offside decision.

That is why many fans felt confused. To the naked eye, the touch looked tiny or almost invisible. But if the technology confirms a touch, VAR can use that moment to judge the offside position.

Was Croatia Robbed?

This depends on how you look at it.

From an emotional point of view, Croatia were extremely unlucky. Scoring so late, celebrating an equaliser and then losing it after a technology review is painful for players, fans and bettors.

From a rules point of view, the decision appears to have been made according to the offside law. If there was a touch by a Croatian player and another Croatian attacker was offside when that touch happened, then the goal had to be ruled out.

So the fairest answer is:

Croatia were unlucky, but the decision was not necessarily wrong.

That is the difference between a controversial decision and a bad decision. A controversial decision can still be technically correct.

Why This Matters for Betting

VAR decisions like this can completely change betting outcomes.

Croatia’s disallowed goal may have affected markets such as:

  • Portugal to win
  • Draw after 90 minutes or extra time
  • Both teams to score
  • Over 2.5 goals
  • Correct score
  • Player goalscorer markets
  • In-play cash-out values

This is why bettors should be careful with emotional in-play betting. A goal celebration does not always mean the goal will stand.

For knockout matches, it is often safer to consider markets such as to advance, draw no bet, or under/over goals rather than relying only on high-risk correct score bets.

What Bettors Can Learn From the Croatia VAR Controversy

The biggest lesson is that football betting is not only about which team plays better. Technology, referee decisions, stoppage time and VAR can all change the result.

Before betting on knockout football:

  • Understand the difference between “match result” and “to advance”
  • Remember that VAR can cancel goals after celebrations
  • Avoid chasing losses after a controversial decision
  • Be careful with in-play betting during chaotic finishes
  • Compare odds across licensed South African bookmakers

You can read more about betting terms in our sports betting glossary.

Final Verdict

Croatia’s goal did not count because VAR judged the attacking phase to be offside after a small touch in the build-up. It was a painful decision for Croatia and a major talking point for fans, but based on the reports available, the call appears to have been made according to the technology and the offside rule.

For bettors, it was another reminder that late goals, VAR and offside calls can completely change a betting slip.

BettingGuru SA Disclaimer

BettingGuru SA is an independent betting review and comparison platform. We may receive commission from selected betting partners – this does not affect our editorial independence or our commitment to responsible gambling. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.

Sources: FIFA.com | South African Responsible Gambling Foundation |

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