ON
← Back to feed
Cold shower from northern Europe: Clean penalty! Many missed what Vlasic did before that
Croatia⚽ Sportsyesterday

Cold shower from northern Europe: Clean penalty! Many missed what Vlasic did before that

The Croatian national football team suffered a dramatic and painful 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. The match was marked by numerous controversies and controversial decisions, including disallowed goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Petar Sučić due to freezing conditions, as well as a controversial goal by Gvardiol that was later overturned after VAR review. One of the most contentious moments was a penalty awarded to Portugal following an incident involving Ronaldo. Norwegian referee Espen Eskås initially did not show a yellow card after a challenge by Nikola Vlašić on Gabriel Veiga, but after a call from VAR and reviewing footage, he changed his decision, citing that Vlašić had prevented the Portuguese attacker from reaching the ball. This decision sparked outrage among Croatian fans. However, a Swedish referee analyst from the Referee Channel, Victor, argued that Portugal was justified in receiving the penalty. He explained that many viewers focused only on the handball and missed key details, such as Vlašić hitting the attacker in the face and using his legs to bring him down. Victor concluded that Vlašić committed three fouls in one action and deserved a

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (8)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

17 reports

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 952 days ago
FIFA announced the cancellation of Croatia's goal and told the world:

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), through FIFA, has announced the disqualification of a goal scored by Croatia against Portugal during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match. The decision was made using data from Connected Ball Technology, which detected contact between Croatian player Igor Matanović and the ball before the shot, confirming that the goal was offside. Croatia had taken a 1-0 lead through Ivan Perišić in the 53th minute, but Portugal equalized via Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty in the 68th minute. Portugal then won the match 2-1 after extra time due to a goal by Gonçalo Ramos. Croatia’s Joško Gvardiol had earlier scored a goal in stoppage time, but it was disallowed after VAR review. FIFA highlighted the use of advanced technology, including sensors in the ball, to detect such incidents, providing visual feedback to referees to improve decision-making.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a sports event without any political implications. It focuses solely on the technical aspects of the game, the use of technology in officiating, and the outcome of a match. There is no indication of ideological framing or bias toward any political group, as体育

Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 95): Fully accurate representation of the situation from FIFA's perspective. Completely neutral and objective in its presentation.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 85yesterday
Bruno Marić: Ne bih išao u teorije zavjere, ali neke stvari moramo jasno reći

Bivši predsjednik Sudačke komisije Bruno Marić analizirao je suđenje u utakmici Hrvatske i Portugala na Svjetskom prvenstvu u nogometu, koje je završilo porazom Hrvatske 1:2. Tri gola bile su poništena: jedan Portugalu zbog greške sudaca, a dva Hrvatskoj zbog nepravilnih pozicija igrača. Najsporniji trenutak bio je poništeni gol Joška Gvardiola, koji je bio potvrđen tehnologijom VAR-a. Marić je kritikovao sudsku odluku u vezi s poništenjem gola Vlašića, tvrdeći da je bilo potrebno više transparentnosti i da je VAR trebao reagirati direktnije. Iako je Marić naglasio emocionalnu reakciju publike, izrazio je potrebu za jasnim objašnjenjima, ali nije poduporio teorije zavjere.

Bias read (Center): Artikel analizira tehničke aspekte sudskih odluka u nogometnoj utakmici, a ne političke ciljeve. Iako se spominje kritika sudskog postupka, tekst ostaje neutralan u svojoj ocjeni, bez jasne strane ili ideološke podloge. Autor ne izražava personalnu podršku ni jednom strani, već se usredotočuje na pr

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): High factual accuracy aligning with primary source and other articles. Some subjective language about 'spornosti' but overall balanced.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 85yesterday
Cold shower from northern Europe: Clean penalty! Many missed what Vlasic did before that

The Croatian national football team suffered a dramatic and painful 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. The match was marked by numerous controversies and controversial decisions, including disallowed goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Petar Sučić due to freezing conditions, as well as a controversial goal by Gvardiol that was later overturned after VAR review. One of the most contentious moments was a penalty awarded to Portugal following an incident involving Ronaldo. Norwegian referee Espen Eskås initially did not show a yellow card after a challenge by Nikola Vlašić on Gabriel Veiga, but after a call from VAR and reviewing footage, he changed his decision, citing that Vlašić had prevented the Portuguese attacker from reaching the ball. This decision sparked outrage among Croatian fans. However, a Swedish referee analyst from the Referee Channel, Victor, argued that Portugal was justified in receiving the penalty. He explained that many viewers focused only on the handball and missed key details, such as Vlašić hitting the attacker in the face and using his legs to bring him down. Victor concluded that Vlašić committed three fouls in one action and deserved a

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a sports event and does not involve politically charged topics such as government, elections, or public policy. Therefore, it is considered apolitical and has a center lean.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurate analysis of the penalty decision. Presents alternative viewpoints without taking a definitive stance.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 85yesterday
A slightly different view of Vlasic's controversial penalty: "The important thing is that before holding, there are three infractions"

The Croatian national football team was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-1 to Portugal. The match became highly controversial due to the disallowed goal by Croatia and a disputed penalty awarded to Portugal. Nikola Vlašić challenged Portuguese player Rúben Dias during a challenge, leading to a penalty decision after VAR review. While most Croatian fans believed the decision was too harsh, a Swedish referee instructor on the Referee Channel argued that the penalty was correctly awarded based on holding. He noted that while contact occurred, the initial clear handball should have been the focus. The analyst emphasized that there were three fouls—handball, holding, and a subsequent collision—and suggested the penalty should have been awarded for the handball alone.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve political topics, making it apolitical. The framing remains neutral, presenting both fan opinions and expert analysis without overt bias.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurate reporting of the match events and expert opinion. Maintains a neutral tone while discussing the controversial decisions.

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 80yesterday
Forensic expert: Easy to withdraw, Vlasic did something much more serious in penalties for Portugal

The article discusses a controversial penalty decision during a football match between Croatia and Portugal, focusing on a challenge by Croatian player Nikola Vlašić against Portuguese player Gabriel Veiga. While much attention was given to the disallowed goal by Erling Haaland, the main focus is on Vlašić’s actions. The expert analyzes the incident, stating that Vlašić initially grabbed Veiga by the jersey and held him with both hands, but before the tackle, he struck Veiga in the face with his hand—a clear foul. The expert argues that this action, along with contact to the legs, constituted three fouls, making the penalty decision correct. The expert criticizes the high tolerance level for shirt-pulling set by the VAR system in this tournament, suggesting that the referee should have acted without VAR intervention.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve political topics, officials, or public policy. Therefore, it is apolitical and has a neutral lean.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): Accurate analysis of the penalty decision. Provides detailed explanation of the incident without showing bias.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 80yesterday
'Most people didn't even notice what Vlasic had done before committing the penalty kick'

The article discusses a football match incident where a referee, Victor, was criticized for a penalty decision. A Swedish referee analyst explains that theVAR correctly called for a review because the player, Vlašić, hit the opponent in the face, which constitutes a clear foul. The analyst argues that despite the lack of holding, the facial impact alone justified the penalty. The article highlights the strict application of rules and the visibility of the offense, suggesting that VAR’s involvement was appropriate.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a technical analysis of a sports event without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the interpretation of game rules and the actions of players and referees, without taking a partisan stance or promoting any specific political agenda.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): Accurate reporting of the match events and expert opinion. Maintains a neutral tone while discussing the controversial decisions.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 70yesterday
Slavni Collina šokiran zbog toga što su napravili Hrvatskoj: 'Ovo stvara opasan presedan'

The football match between Portugal and Croatia at the World Cup in North America ended 2-1 to Portugal, sparking controversy over controversial referee decisions that many believe harmed Croatia. The most contentious moment was a penalty awarded to Portugal after a VAR review, which drew sharp criticism from experts, including former top referee Pierluigi Collina. Collina argued that the decision was based on an overly minimal contact and questioned the impact of VAR interventions on the flow of the game. He emphasized that VAR should correct clear errors, not create new controversies. Critics argue such incidents erode trust in the VAR system, as they appear to influence match outcomes beyond the field. Collina stressed that while VAR exists to assist referees, it should not overshadow the emotional essence of the sport.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve political issues, making it apolitical. Therefore, the framing is neutral and does not show a clear ideological lean.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Accurate reporting of the match events and expert opinion. Shows clear bias against the VAR decision and the referee's call.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 702 days ago
Luka Modric lashed out at the judges: 'These things bother me'

Luka Modrić, kapetan hrvatske reprezentacije, izrazio je svoje misljenje o rezultatu utakmice protiv Portugala, gdje Hrvatska nije osvojila pobjedu. Iako je priznao da su timovi bili na najboljem nivou u drugom poluvremenu, Modrić je naglasio da su sudski odluke, posebno vezane uz poništenje gola Joška Gvardiola, bile nepovratne. On je objasnio da su snimke i videa pokazala da je sudac pogrešno procijenio situaciju, što mu je smetalo u donošenju odluka. Modrić je također izrazio frustraciju prema upotrebi VAR-a, smatrajući da se ne koristi pravilno, a da se neaktivira dok je sigurno postoji greška. Iako je prihvaćao emocionalnu reakciju igrača nakon poraze, izrazio je nadu da će tim ostvariti uspjehe u budućnosti. Na kraju, napomenuo je da je poraz protiv Portugala manje težak nego 2008. godine na Euro 2008.

Bias read (Center): Tematika je sportska, pa je politički naboj blizu nule. Članak ne prikazuje političku stranu, već analizira sportsku situaciju i sudsku deciziju bez evidentnog stranih okvira.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): The article accurately summarizes Modrić's comments on the referee decisions and VAR. It remains relatively neutral in tone despite expressing frustration over the outcomes.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 80yesterday
Croatia's decline has left everyone stunned: 'Absolutely brutal'

The article discusses the controversial decision made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the Croatia vs Portugal football match at the World Cup. The game ended with Portugal advancing to the quarterfinals after a goal by Gvardiola was disallowed due to a suspected handball by Croatia’s Igor Matanović. The decision sparked significant debate, with media outlets like Marca, AS, and Mundo Deportivo highlighting the controversy. They questioned the reliability of the technology used, particularly the microchip in the ball that detected contact. While the VAR system provides objective data, the interpretation of the situation by the referee remains subjective. The incident has raised broader questions about the fairness and transparency of such decisions in high-stakes matches.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the controversy surrounding the VAR decision without overtly favoring any particular side. It includes perspectives from multiple media outlets and focuses on the technical and procedural aspects of the ruling rather than taking an ideological stance.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports on Matanović's comments regarding the disallowed goal and includes relevant details about the technology used. It maintains a balanced and objective tone.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 75yesterday
Sprema se doček. "Dočekajmo velike pokradene junake iz male zemlje lavovskog srca"

Croatia was eliminated from the World Cup by Portugal in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 1-2 defeat, marked by a disallowed goal by Josko Gvardiol due to a VAR decision. The goal was initially awarded but later overturned after sensors detected that Igor Matanović had touched the ball before it reached Mario Pasalic in an offside position. Many Croatian fans believe this decision cost Croatia the match. The national team is returning to Zagreb via charter flight today at 3:30 PM. Fan group 'Mi Hrvati' has invited players like Luka Modric to a welcome ceremony on Ban Jelacic Square, calling them 'heroes stolen from our small country with a lion's heart.' However, Modric and some other players have already left for rest and will not attend the arrival.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event (World Cup elimination) and does not take a political stance or involve political figures, policies, or controversies. It reports on the match outcome, fan reactions, and travel arrangements without any biased language or framing.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Accurate details about the match outcome and VAR decision. However, shows clear bias in favor of Croatia with phrases like 'oštećena' and calls for Modrić to attend the welcome.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 652 days ago
Modric on his farewell to Ronaldo and the judges: "It's not a penalty at all!

Croatian footballer Luka Modrić spoke publicly about his team’s recent match against Portugal, expressing frustration over a controversial decision by the referee and the VAR system. He criticized the penalty awarded during the game, arguing that it was unjust and that the VAR system often favors certain teams or situations. Modrić emphasized that Croatia played exceptionally well in the second half and felt they deserved more credit. He also mentioned that Cristiano Ronaldo did not offer any special comments after the game. While acknowledging the difficulty of losing, he stressed the importance of moving forward and being proud of their performance.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve political topics, officials, or public policy. The framing remains neutral, presenting Modrić’s personal views without overtly favoring any political stance. There is no indication of ideological bias in the reporting.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 65): The article presents Modrić's statements accurately but uses emotionally charged language like 'žestoko opleo' and frames the referee decisions as clearly against Croatia, showing bias.

tportal logotportalIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 70yesterday
Zbog poništenog gola oglasio se Matanovićev frizer: 'Jesam li trebao?'

The Croatian national team's goal against Portugal was disallowed after a VAR review due to a minor contact by player Igor Matanović with the ball while he was offside. This decision sparked debate among fans, as it prevented Croatia from equalizing the match. In response, Luka Grbac, Matanović's hairdresser, posted a humorous video on Instagram questioning whether he should have cut Matanović's hair shorter, referencing the incident. The post went viral, adding a light-hearted but pointed commentary on the controversial call. While the situation remains a point of discussion, the incident highlights how small details can significantly impact sports outcomes.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and uses humor to comment on a specific moment in the game. There is no political framing, bias, or controversy related to governance, policy, or ideology. The content is purely about a football match and its aftermath.

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Correctly reports the incident involving Matanović and the VAR decision. Uses humor but still presents facts accurately. Slightly biased by focusing on the haircut angle.

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 60yesterday
Sandro Perković on the shocking decline of the Fire and the judges' decisions: 'Matanović influenced the game, but the controversy is something else'

Croatia concluded their journey at the FIFA World Cup in North America during a match against Portugal, which has sparked significant debate over referee decisions, VAR calls, and the length of Matanović’s hair. The game was dramatic, featuring multiple controversial decisions, including three disallowed goals for Croatia and a disallowed goal for Portugal, leading to a 2-1 victory for Portugal. The match is expected to be discussed for a long time, particularly due to the contentious refereeing decisions that left a bitter taste. In a podcast titled 'Maksanov korner,' Croatian football coach and expert Sandro Perković analyzes the events, highlighting the irony that Croatia played their best match of the tournament but still lost, resulting in their early exit. Perković emphasizes the impact of Matanović’s presence on the game, suggesting he influenced play despite not touching the ball, and criticizes the rushed handling of certain situations. He expresses mixed emotions—pride in the team’s performance and disappointment in the loss—while acknowledging the quality of the match and the potential for future success.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event and does not engage with politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. Therefore, it is considered apolitical and leans toward the center. There is no evident ideological framing or emphasis on specific political st立

Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 60): The article discusses the match and referee decisions but includes subjective analysis and opinions from Perković that lack direct support from the primary source document.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 602 days ago
Croatia at the SP: Follow the latest news and events after the withdrawal from the SP

The article reports on Croatia's elimination from the FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Portugal. It highlights the dramatic nature of the match, including four disallowed goals and two red cards, which led to Croatia's exit despite an aggressive second half performance. The piece also mentions the controversial goal disallowance involving Croatian player Igor Matanović, confirmed by FIFA using technology. Additionally, it covers emotional reactions from players like Luka Modrić, who was visibly upset after the defeat, and notes the significance of the match for Portugal, particularly in light of their recent loss of a key player.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the match outcome, focusing on the sports event itself without taking a clear ideological stance. It includes perspectives from both teams, acknowledges the emotional impact on players, and provides factual updates without overtly favoring any side.

Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 60): The article covers the controversial ending of the match but presents it with a somewhat biased perspective, focusing on the impact on Portugal and the potential for appeals by Croatia.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 552 days ago
Spanish media: Is Croatia robbed? This is the biggest controversy of the World Cup

The article discusses a controversial goal disallowed during a match between Portugal and Croatia at the World Cup, focusing on the decision made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The incident occurred in the 103rd minute when Josko Gvardiol scored a goal that was later overturned due to a suspected handball by Marija Pašalić. Croatian media report that the decision sparked significant controversy, with Spanish outlets like El Mundo Deportivo questioning whether Croatia was 'robbed' of a chance to win. The article highlights conflicting analyses, noting that Spanish commentators claim there was insufficient evidence of contact, while Norwegian referee Espen Eskås relied on sensor data from the ball. The piece emphasizes the lack of clear footage and the potential impact of the decision on the game’s outcome.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the controversy surrounding the VAR decision without overtly favoring either side. It includes perspectives from both Croatian and Spanish media, highlighting the debate over the validity of the handball call and the reliance on technology. There is no clear ideological leaning,

Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 55): The article contains some factual inaccuracies regarding the goal being scored by Gvardiol and presents a biased perspective on the controversial decision without sufficient evidence from the primary source.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 20Objective 15yesterday
The controversy surrounding Croatia's game sparked a big debate: 'Is that microchip even reliable?!'

The article discusses the controversial goal disallowed by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the Croatia vs Portugal match at the World Cup. The decision, which prevented Croatia from advancing to extra time, sparked significant debate among fans and analysts. The incident involved a seemingly minor contact between Croatian player Igor Pašalić and the ball, detected by a microchip embedded in the ball. The article highlights concerns about the reliability of this technology, questioning whether the sensor accurately captured the contact and if the decision was justified. While acknowledging the technological advancement, the piece notes that the system still has limitations and relies on human interpretation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the technical aspects of the VAR decision without overtly favoring any political stance. It reports on the controversy surrounding the technology used and raises questions about its reliability without taking a clear ideological position.

Why these scores (Factual 20 · Objective 15): Completely unrelated to the primary source document. Discusses a different match (Croatia vs Portugal) with fabricated details about a controversial goal. Contains no information about the actual event described in the source.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentCenterFactual 20Objective 104 days ago
'The Portuguese know how dangerous we are, and it makes it much easier for us to return to Toronto'

The article discusses a football match between Croatia and Portugal, focusing on Croatian player Nikola Vlašić's comments after Croatia's victory. Vlašić praises Portugal's strength but emphasizes Croatia's competitiveness, noting that both teams value each other. He highlights the advantage of playing at home in Toronto and the significance of the winning goal in advancing Croatia to the knockout stage. The piece includes quotes from Vlašić and mentions the team selection for the upcoming match.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve politically charged topics such as government, elections, or public policy. It presents balanced commentary from a player regarding both teams' strengths without taking a clear ideological stance.

Why these scores (Factual 20 · Objective 10): Irrelevant to the primary source document. Discusses a hypothetical fan vote for a World Cup squad rather than reporting on the actual match against Portugal. Contains no factual information about the event described in the source.

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories