World Cup 2026: Huge VAR call prolongs Ronaldo’s last dance but ends Modric’s

So what exactly happened in that dramatic finale?

The Snickometer – or Snicko – is associated with cricket, but in recent years football has also adopted similar technology.

The Trionda match ball, produced by Adidas for this year’s World Cup, contains a microchip that can detect when the ball is touched.

It allows precise data, such as every touch of the ball with the boot or hand, to be instantly sent to the video assistant referee in real time.

Similar technology was also used in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic refused to elaborate on his team being denied a last-gasp equaliser.

“I won’t comment too much on it but I will say that the refereeing was very bad,” he said.

“There were no fouls on our side, no set pieces, which there should have been, but that’s no reason to talk about the defeat. It was very bad refereeing.

“You have seen the extent to which emotions have been killed and all these decisions set you back and actually take away the joy of football.

“VAR kills emotions, kills everything inside you. We have gone too far with VAR.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was more outspoken.

“It’s a shame that one of the two teams had to lose,” the Spaniard said. “But there is no bad decision or lucky decision. It was a clear moment.

“The balls now have a chip and the sensor shows when the ball has been touched.”

Speaking to 5 Live at the time of the goal, former England defender Matt Upson said it was difficult to tell in real time whether Matanovic had touched the ball.

Upson said: “The wave of emotion that makes the tie in the last second, and then it slips away from you. Did he definitely touch on that?”

“We’re watching a replay here. Can we guarantee you’ll see it?”

“The spin of the ball doesn’t change, that’s all I know. I don’t think he touched that ball. This is the first time I’ve seen it and I don’t believe he touched that ball at all.”

After rewatching the game, Upson added: “As far as I can see, I don’t see any change in the direction of the ball.

“The important thing is that the spin of the ball does not change and it looks like Matanovic touched that ball, but it is interesting that they say that beyond reasonable doubt.

“I can’t quite see that.”

Meanwhile, former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann texted BBC One’s match coverage presenter Mark Chapman to say: “The last time the ball was played by a teammate it was offside and the ball was deflected by the defender and was not played deliberately so offside stands.

“Snicko…this 100% proves you tapped him.”