CROATIA COACH BLASTS REFEREE AFTER VAR DRAMA-FILLED FIFA WORLD CUP EXIT IN PORTUGAL DEFEAT

"It was very bad refereeing," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said, adding that Croatia "should have been given more free kicks.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic with Luka Modric© AFP

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has criticised the refereeing in his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 defeat to Portugal, calling it "very bad refereeing," while also acknowledging that his team cannot use the officiating as an excuse for their elimination, according to Reuters. The comments came after Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in a tightly contested knockout match, which ended their campaign at the tournament. The result saw Portugal advance to the Round of 16, while Croatia exited after failing to convert several key chances.

Speaking after the match, Dalic said he believed Croatia were denied several free-kick decisions that could have influenced the flow of the game. He expressed frustration over key moments he felt went against his side but maintained that the result ultimately came down to Croatia's own shortcomings in front of goal.

"It was very bad refereeing," Dalic said, adding that Croatia "should have been given more free kicks," according to Reuters.

However, the Croatia coach was quick to temper his criticism, stressing that his team must take responsibility for the defeat. "But Croatia lost. I'm not going to find any excuses," he said, as quoted by Reuters. "We could have won this earlier."

Portugal recovered from an early setback to register a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Substitute Goncalo Ramos emerged as the match-winner by heading home a stoppage-time goal to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16.

Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.

Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career.

- ANI

POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE: CROATIA'S ZLATKO DALIC ON 1-0 WIN OVER CROATIA

 

LUKA MODRIC UNDERGOES SURGERY WEEKS BEFORE WORLD CUP

Modric sustained a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads

Modric undergoes surgery weeks before World Cup
Luka Modric has undergone surgery on a facial injury

Getty

Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone weeks before the 40-year-old AC Milan and Croatia football midfielder ⁠is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.

Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during Sunday's 0-0 Serie A draw at the San Siro. He left the field`with 10 minutes left.

Although clearly in pain, Modric remained on the bench until the end of ⁠the game without receiving medical treatment.

The Croatian federation said national medical staff remained in contact with Modric, who captains the side, as well as his club.

"I've been talking to Luka, and wished him ‌a successful surgery and a quality ‌and speedy recovery," Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said. "I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready `for the World Cup, and we'll provide full support.

"I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer."

Modric undergoes surgery weeks before World Cup
Luka Modric is set to feature at a fifth World Cup
Getty

AC Milan are third in the standings, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with four games remaining, and Modric is doubtful to take any part in their season run-in.

A protective mask may be needed should he recover in time for the World Cup, which begins ‌on 11 June. Croatia will face England, ‌Ghana and Panama in Group L.

- Reuters