Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic expressed frustration over what he described as poor officiating following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 on Thursday, July 2, 2026, which ended their World Cup campaign. He stressed that he would not use the decisions as an excuse.
Portugal earned a penalty after a VAR check, converted by Cristiano Ronaldo to level the score, before Goncalo Ramos scored in the 94th minute to secure victory.
In stoppage time, Josko Gvardiol appeared to equalize, but a review determined the ball had deflected off Igor Matanovic, leaving Gvardiol offside. Norwegian referee Espen Eskas awarded the penalty.
Dalic told reporters the officiating was very poor and his team deserved more free kicks. He noted Croatia lost and refused to make excuses, adding they could have won earlier.
The coach said his players failed to create enough opportunities in the first half but improved after the break, though their previous World Cup fortune had ended. Croatia reached the final in 2018 and finished third in 2022.
The result likely marked 40-year-old captain Luka Modric’s final World Cup appearance. Dalic expressed regret over the manner of the exit but highlighted a promising future with emerging young talent.
Dalic, in charge since 2017, declined to discuss his own future, saying decisions would be made back home.
