
VAR’s Growing Pains at the World Cup
From a disallowed Croatia goal to coach critiques, the World Cup has become a laboratory for the technology's promises and pitfalls.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mario Pasalic across Soccer, Football.

From a disallowed Croatia goal to coach critiques, the World Cup has become a laboratory for the technology's promises and pitfalls.

Spain and Portugal meet in the World Cup quarterfinals in Dallas, with Spain’s defense and Mikel Oyarzabal’s form pitted against Portugal’s firepower and Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential final appearance.

Tight offside calls at the World Cup have reignited age‑old disputes, prompting calls for legal tweaks and technological refinements.
Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic slammed VAR after a goal was ruled out by a chip in the ball, arguing that the technology strips football of its joy. Portugal’s Roberto Martinez countered that the system delivered clear, objective evidence.

England secured a 4‑2 victory against Croatia in their World Cup opener, highlighted by Kane's penalty, Bellingham's goal, and Rashford's decisive strike.

A late goal by substitute Mario Pasalic secured a 2-1 victory for Croatia over Slovenia, with captain Luka Modric opening the scoring. The win comes as the Croatian side prepares for its first World Cup match against England in Dallas on June 17.