Huge VAR call prolongs Ronaldo's last dance but ends Modric's

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Huge Snicko VAR call prolongs Ronaldo's last dance but ends Modric's Figure caption, Late drama and VAR controversy as Croatia denied equaliserByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalist at Toronto StadiumPublished6 hours agoBBC commentator Steve Wilson called it "one of the biggest VAR decisions there has ever been". Trailing 2-1 to Portugal after a dramatic and chaotic second half, Croatia thought they had equalised when Josko Gvardiol tapped home from close range in the 13th minute of stoppage time. They celebrated wildly, while Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal for his country before being substituted, looked crestfallen on the bench.

But Snickometer-style technology, usually associated with cricket, saw the goal ruled out and dramatically cut Croatia's celebrations short. The big question was: Had Croatia's Igor Matanovic flicked the ball on in the build-up? If his head had touched the ball, it was offside.

The Details

If not, the goal would stand. Step forward the video assistant referee - Premier League official Jarred Gillett - as a goal check for offside was announced. Cue a tense wait as Norwegian referee Espen Eskas watched replay after replay, with TV pictures looking inconclusive.

But a spike on the Snickometer - or Snicko - suggested a touch and the goal was ruled out. It was almost the last kick of the match. The decision sparked chaotic scenes and plastic bottles were thrown on to the pitch by furious Croatia fans as their World Cup dreams were ended in the cruellest fashion.

For Croatia's 40-year-old legend Luka Modric it was surely the end of his World Cup career, while Ronaldo's journey continues - just hours after his sister said the tournament was his "last dance", external. It was a match that had everything. From disallowed goals, a debated penalty, Ronaldo intrigue and VAR controversy, Sport unpicks a remarkable 105 minutes of drama.

What Experts Say

Figure caption, Portugal through to last 16 after dramatic victory over CroatiaPortugal beat Croatia in chaotic finish to reach last 16 Victorious Portugal pay emotional tribute to Jota Published8 hours agoWhat is 'Snicko' and how does it work? Published15 June'It was not a bad decision or a lucky decision'So what exactly did happen in that dramatic finale? Snicko is associated with cricket, but in recent years, football has adopted similar technology.

The Trionda match ball, made by Adidas for this year's World Cup, has a microchip in it that can detect when the ball has been touched. It allows precise data, such as every individual touch of the ball with a boot or hand, to be immediately sent to the video assistant referee in real time. Shortly after the incident, Fifa released a statement explaining the decision, saying the technology proved Matanovic touched the ball.

Sweden benefited from the technology against Tunisia earlier in the tournament.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.