FIFA explains waiving Croatia game-tying goal in massive World Cup controversy

Virtually no one is happy with FIFA’s Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which called back Croatia’s game-tying goal in the 12th minute of stoppage time Thursday in their 2-1 loss to Portugal.Joško Gvardiol seemed to tie the game after a cross from Ivan Perišić appeared to hit Portuguese center-back Renato Veiga, thus preventing a possible offsides.After a lengthy review brought on by FIFA’s VAR, it was determined that the ball grazed the head of Igor Matanović and reset the offside line before Gvardiol blasted the ball into the back of the net.FIFA announced a new technology called “Connected Ball Technology” with IMU sensors inside the Adidas ball that detect when the ball is touched.Despite the ball not appearing to be touched by Matanović, the technology apparently confirmed that he redirected the ball ever so slightly and reset the offside line.

“it was proven that contact was made by Croatia’s #20 Igor Matanović in the build-up to the goal against Portugal, allowing the referee to correctly determine offside and disallow the goal,” FIFA media’s X account handle posted after fans went wild about the disallowed goal.“IMU sensors housed within the Trionda ball are capable of determining any slight contact, displayed to viewers in the broadcast as a ‘heartbeat graphic’, and allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions.”It’s not the first time that technology has been an issue in this year’s World Cup.Referees appeared to misuse VAR to review Folarin Balogun’s challenge on a loose ball before eventually giving the USA star a red card and suspending him for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.

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