There was significant controversy as Portugal just about beat Croatia to make it into the next round of the 2026 World Cup. The two sides appeared to be destined for extra time before VAR intervened to rule out Josko Gvardiol’s late strike, sparking a strong reaction in the media.

Ivan Perisic opened the scoring before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled things from the penalty spot with 22 minutes remaining. Goncalo Ramos then gave Portugal the lead in stoppage time, but there was still time for Croatia to put the ball in the back of the net once more.

This time, however, the goal was chalked off. VAR deemed that Igor Matanovic had the slightest of touches on the cross that found Mario Pasalic, who was standing in an offside position before he touched the ball for Gvardiol to score.

An official FIFA explanation revealed that, thanks to ‘data provided by Connected Ball Technology’, it was proven that ‘contact was made’ by Croatia’s Matanovic in the build-up to the goal. Despite this, footage from the game looked inconclusive, leaving many baffled by the ruling.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Makes Ronaldo FIFA Claim After Croatia Controversy

REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

Among those angered by the VAR call to rule out Croatia’s late goal, former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his feelings on the matter clear. As quoted by Italian outlet Gazzetta, the Fox Sports

Pundit offered up a theory that FIFA were intent on having Ronaldo and Portugal meet Spain in the next round:

Ivana Knoll Reacts to Croatia Defeat and Ibrahimovic Theory

Fabrizio Bensch via Reuters

Adding to those unhappy with the final outcome, Croatia fan Ivana Knoll also expressed her anger to her 3 million followers on Instagram. The model, who went viral at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups – as well as at the Formula One earlier in 2026 – has turned heads this summer, now at her fourth FIFA tournament.

But now having attended the match, on her Instagram stories she first called out the referee, who ‘did such a sh** job,’ before then sharing a link to the Gazzetta story from Ibrahimovic, agreeing with his comments as she wrote: ‘exactly’

Screenshot of Zlatan Ibrahimovic via @Knolldoll/Instagram

She then spoke to the camera in another post, saying ‘it was a complete robbery’ and finally appeared to take aim at Ronaldo and co, saying ‘Karma will hit you’.

Manchester United are set to complete the signing of a 6 ft 4 player as they look set to add to their goalkeeping department, according to BBC Sport.

Man United‘s summer recruitment is starting to be questioned by some supporters after Tottenham Hotspur signed two midfielders they have been heavily linked with in a big-money double swoop.

Spurs have spent £185m on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, with the Red Devils making the former their number one midfield target after accepting that a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson was dead in the water once the England international decided he preferred a move to rivals Manchester City instead.

United have got Ederson through the door with a move expected to be completed later this month when he returns from representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, but their incoming business has slowed up since, which is causing frustration after Tottenham agreed their sixth signing.

Still, Liverpool have only added one new face too and Arsenal none as of yet, so they aren’t too far behind and the World Cup was always likely to cause delays for certain targets, with Aurelien Tchouameni just one of their targets still going strong in North America for France.

BBC: Man Utd Poised to Sign Kit Margetson

While Senne Lammens has nailed down the number one shirt at Old Trafford following his debut season at the club, a reshuffle of United’s goalkeeping department is expected this summer.

Andre Onana has rejoined Turkish side Trabzonspor on another season-long loan deal, while there have been rumours that Altay Bayindir could also depart.

With Tom Heaton already extending his stay at Old Trafford, an exit for Bayindir would mean United need to sign a new back-up stopper.

They are closing in on signing Swansea youngster Kit Margetson, according to the BBC, but he is unlikely to be thrust straight into the first-team plans should a move be completed.

The Wales Under-21 international is yet to make a first-team appearance for Swansea, but did play regular senior football for Connah’s Quay Nomads last term.

Still, the Championship outfit were keen to tie the 6 ft 4 stopper down to new terms, but he is now set to join United instead for a compensation fee.

Man United Working on Second Goalkeeper Deal

via Reuters

Man United look to have decided that their ideal goalkeeper signing this summer will be an experienced stopper who has played in the Premier League before.

Two of the most heavily linked players are former Red Devil Sam Johnstone, who could leave recently-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, and Karl Darlow.

Leeds United have been in contract talks with the 35-year-old over staying at Elland Road after his contract expired on June 30, but now Man United are said to have tabled a contract offer to the Wales international to move to Old Trafford instead.

The club will be looking to sort the situation as soon as possible so they have the right support around Lammens from the beginning of pre-season.