FIFA Puts an End to Portugal-Croatia Controversy

The incident sparked widespread debate, drawing strong protests from Croatia and fueling discussions wherever football is a topic. However, FIFA has now clarified the controversial disallowed goal against Portugal, confirming that the refereeing team's decision was correct, thanks to the technology embedded in the official World Cup ball.

In a statement, the organization explained that data collected by the Connected Ball system, integrated into the Adidas Trionda ball, detected a slight touch from Igor Matanovic in the play leading up to Gvardiol's precise shot in the 90+13th minute. This contact, virtually imperceptible to the naked eye, was crucial for the offside analysis.

"According to the data provided by the Connected Ball technology, housed inside the Adidas Trionda, FIFA's official ball, it was demonstrated that there was contact by Croatia's number 20, Igor Matanovic, in the play preceding the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine the offside position and disallow the goal," FIFA explained.

"The IMU sensors housed inside the Trionda ball are capable of detecting any slight touch, shown to viewers in the broadcast through a graphic similar to a heartbeat, providing referees with an unprecedented level of information to make quick and accurate decisions."

The technology ultimately proved decisive in confirming a touch impossible to detect with the naked eye and validating Mario Pasalic's offside position. The decision maintained the 2-1 scoreline, sealing Croatia's elimination and Portugal's qualification for the round of 16.