Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia, decided by a controversial use of 'Snicko' technology. The audio-sensor system confirmed that Croatia's Igor Matanovic touched the ball while offside in the buildup to Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time equalizer, leading to the goal being disallowed.
How Snicko Works in Football
Snicko, originally developed for cricket to detect edges off the bat, uses soundwave-detecting technology to identify contact between player and ball. In football, the technology is integrated with the tournament's official Adidas Trionda match ball, which contains an internal chip that captures real-time touch data. This sensor feeds precise contact information to the VAR hub, allowing officials to make highly accurate offside decisions.
The Controversial Incident
In the 103rd minute of added time, Croatia's Josko Gvardiol appeared to score a dramatic equalizer, making the score 2-2. However, the VAR review focused on whether Matanovic, who was in an offside position, made contact with the ball during the buildup. Visual replays were inconclusive, but the referee received a distinct spike on the Snicko readout, confirming contact. The goal was disallowed, preserving Portugal's lead.
Reactions from Managers
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic expressed deep frustration after the match, criticizing the refereeing performance. He argued that hyper-precise technology and prolonged video reviews kill the genuine emotion and joy of football. In contrast, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez defended the use of sensor data, stating that the automated chip system removed luck from the situation, resulting in an indisputably clear and correct decision.
What’s Next for Portugal
Portugal's victory secured their spot in the next stage, where they will face Iberian neighbors Spain in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash. The win keeps Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of winning his first World Cup alive.
