Connected Ball technology sparks controversy in Croatia vs Portugal match
A sensor-enabled ball led to a crucial disallowed goal for Croatia against Portugal, sparking anger from Luka Modric and coach Zlatko Dalic.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Jason Kovac
In a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 clash, Croatia were knocked out by Portugal in a 1-2 defeat. Deep into stoppage time (90+13'), Josko Gvardiol appeared to score an equalizer that would have sent the match to extra time. However, following a VAR review, referee Espen Eskas ruled the goal out.
The decision rested on an offside call involving Mario Pasalic, triggered by a hair-thin deflection from Igor Matanovic detected by the sensor inside the ball. FIFA confirmed that the Connected Ball technology, featuring IMU sensors, provided data proving contact was made, allowing officials to correctly identify the offside position.
Croatia captain Luka Modric was deeply frustrated after the match:
We saw the images and there is no proof that he touched the ball. Incredible things happened. Luka Modric
Coach Zlatko Dalic also criticized the officiating, labeling the performance as very poor. Igor Matanovic admitted he felt a slight contact but was unsure until the referee clarified that the chip inside the ball confirmed the touch.
Known as "Snicko," the technology was introduced by FIFA at the 2022 World Cup to determine the exact moment of ball contact. It has faced scrutiny before, notably during Euro 2024 when it was used to rule out a goal by Romelu Lukaku against Slovakia, and during group stage matches in this tournament.