Former US national team defender Marcelo Balboa offered commentary regarding the influence of technology following the dramatic Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup, in which Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1. The controversy centered on an equalizer scored by Croatia in the 103rd minute, which was ultimately disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The goal was scored following a cross from the wing.
According to the sequence of events, the ball reportedly made slight contact with Igor Matanović’s hair before deflecting out of play for Mario Pasalic. Referee Espen Eskas reviewed the footage and subsequently overturned the goal. Speaking on the matter, the former player expressed concern over the current application of officiating technology.
Balboa noted a perceived inconsistency in how goals are judged. He stated, “I remember days when people said they wanted to ensure there were more goals. And now, you place a piece inside the ball, and if it barely touches a strand of hair on the defender, the goal is removed.”
He further questioned the standards applied across the pitch, contrasting the sensitivity of goal reviews with other determinations.
“An offside position is determined by a large toe. Are we trying to help…” Balboa concluded, highlighting the apparent discrepancy in applying technological standards during the high-stakes match involving Croatia. His comments reflect a broader debate regarding the balance between modern officiating tools and the flow of the game.
Topics: #former #technology #croatia
