{"id":185150,"date":"2026-07-03T18:30:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T22:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuevaonda.com\/fifa-explains-the-play-that-sparked-controversy-between-portugal-and-croatia\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T18:41:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T22:41:47","slug":"fifa-explains-the-play-that-sparked-controversy-between-portugal-and-croatia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nuevaonda.com\/en\/fifa-explains-the-play-that-sparked-controversy-between-portugal-and-croatia\/","title":{"rendered":"FIFA Explains the Play That Sparked Controversy Between Portugal and Croatia"},"content":{"rendered":"

FIFA addressed the controversy that arose following the match between Portugal and Croatia in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup<\/a> and explained why the goal that would have tied the game for the Croatian team in stoppage time was disallowed.<\/p>\n

World soccer’s governing body confirmed that the referee’s decision was supported by technology embedded in the official match ball, which detected a virtually imperceptible contact during the play and allowed the VAR review to be upheld.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The chip-equipped ball was key to the decision<\/h2>\n
\"FIFA
PHOTO: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Through its official channels, FIFA reported that data collected by Connected Ball Technology, incorporated into the official Trionda ball, confirmed that Igor Matanovi\u0107 touched the ball in the play leading up to the goal.<\/p>\n

That slight contact put Mario Pa\u0161ali\u0107 in an offside position.<\/p>\n

He then got involved in the play before Jo\u0161ko Gvardiol’s shot, and Gvardiol’s goal was ultimately disallowed.<\/p>\n

According to FIFA, the information provided by the ball allowed the officials to correctly confirm the offside position.<\/p>\n

And uphold the decision made following the VAR review (Filed under: FIFA explains offside).<\/p>\n

How Balloon Technology Works<\/h2>\n
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According to data provided by Connected Ball Technology, which is integrated into the @adidasfootball<\/a> Trionda\u2014the official match ball of the @FIFAWorldCup<\/a>\u2014it was confirmed that Croatia\u2019s #20 Igor Matanovi\u0107 made contact during the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/AyBz11N3wV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 3, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n