Toronto, Canada - In a gripping encounter in the Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal edged past Croatia with a 2-1 victory, securing their place in the knockout stages. Following the match, Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, found himself defending the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that marked the game.

During the match, Croatia appeared to have leveled the score late in the game, only for a VAR review to disallow the goal. This prompted heated discussions among fans and analysts alike, questioning the legitimacy of the decision. However, Martinez stood firm in his belief that the match officials made the correct calls.

“There were no bad decisions. Today we were fortunate,” Martinez stated in the post-match press conference. His comments came in response to claims that Croatia had been unfairly denied a legitimate goal, which could have altered the outcome of the match.

Portugal took an early lead, capitalizing on a defensive error from Croatia. Despite a strong showing from the Croatian side, including a barrage of attempts on goal, Portugal managed to maintain their advantage until the late stages of the game.

As the match progressed, tensions mounted, and the Croatian team pushed for an equalizer. However, the VAR intervention ultimately confirmed the referee's initial decision, keeping Portugal ahead. Martinez emphasized the importance of VAR in ensuring justice in the game, despite the controversy surrounding its implementation.

The coach's defense of the technology comes at a time when VAR has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate within the football community. Critics argue that it disrupts the flow of the game and leads to contentious decisions, while supporters highlight its role in correcting potential errors.

As Portugal moves forward in the tournament, Martinez will be keen to maintain the momentum, knowing that the next matches will only intensify the stakes. The team's resilience and ability to adapt to pressure situations will be crucial as they aim for glory in this prestigious tournament.