Luka Modrić criticized VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equalizer.

More than 5,700 miles from home, members of Houston's Croatian community gathered Thursday evening at the Houston Croatian Club to watch Croatia take on Portugal in a Round of 32 World Cup knockout match.

It’s been called one of, if not the biggest VAR decision in World Cup history. Whatever you call it, it was one that left Croatia heartbroken and Portugal thanking its lucky stars.

Portugal advanced after edging out Croatia 2-1 in a hard-fought match, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s team will now face European champion Spain on Monday.

The 2026 World Cup Knockout Round has been quite a spectacle, and anyone interested in can claim the latest FanDuel promo code to get up to $1,000 in Bet Reset Tokens with a $5+ wager on Thursday's remaining matches.

Croatia struck first against Portugal in its World Cup round of 32 battle Thursday, July 2. With a date in the round of 16 on the line, Croatia is owning the pitch. In the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić scored to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.

When Portugal stepped on to the pitch at Toronto's BMO Field Thursday night for their World Cup Round of 32 matchup against Croatia, they did so with an extra man in their presence. At the time of kick off,