VAR denies Gvardiol's stoppage-time leveller to send Portugal past Croatia and into last 16

Portugal edged past Croatia 2-1 in Toronto on Sunday to advance to the World Cup round of 16, where they will face Spain in Arlington on 6 July — but only after VAR intervened in the dying moments to deny what appeared to be a Croatian equaliser.

The tie looked destined for extra time when Josko Gvardiol steered home from Mario Pasalic’s flicked cross in the 15th minute of added time. Premier League referee Jarred Gillett, acting as an assistant, advised match official Espen Eskas to review the passage of play on the pitchside VAR monitor. Eskas confirmed that Pasalic had received the ball from a slight flick off teammate Igor Matanovic’s head, placing him in an offside position. The goal was ruled out, and Croatia’s World Cup was over.

The drama capped a turbulent evening for Roberto Martinez’s side. Portugal had fallen behind to Ivan Perisic’s opener early in the second half before Cristiano Ronaldo — who had already seen a potential equaliser disallowed for offside — restored parity from the penalty spot after Nikola Vlasic pulled Renato Veiga inside the area.

Ronaldo was later substituted, but Portugal completed their comeback when Goncalo Ramos struck in the 94th minute to put them ahead. Gvardiol’s disallowed effort was the final act of a match that rarely gave either side a moment’s peace.

Incensed Croatia supporters threw plastic bottles onto the pitch in protest at the VAR decision, causing a brief delay before the final whistle confirmed Portugal’s progression.

Ronaldo, who was named Player of the Match, also addressed claims made by his sister Katia Aveiro that he intends to retire from international football after the tournament, publicly shutting down the suggestion in his post-match media appearance.