
3 July 2026
Martínez Defends VAR After Four Portugal Goals Ruled Out
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez insisted there were no lucky decisions after a record four Croatia goals were disallowed in a 2-1 Portugal win.
Portugal edged past Croatia 2-1 in what became one of the most talked-about matches of the tournament, with a record four Croatia goals ruled out by VAR, according to The Guardian. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez was firm afterwards, insisting the decisions were correct and backed by chip technology in the match ball.
Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic was gracious but emotional in defeat, singling out Luka Modric for praise and expressing regret that the match may have been the veteran midfielder's final World Cup appearance.
Sources
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