Croatia's Petar Sucic reveals what referee told him about controversial VAR call vs Portugal

A frustrated Petar Sucic has revealed what referee Espen Eskas said about the incident that led to Croatia's goal against Portugal being chalked off.

Croatia were knocked out of the World Cup in the cruellest of circumstances on Thursday after a stoppage-time equaliser from defender Josko Gvardiol was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review.

After a cross was played into the penalty area from the left wing, it initially looked like Igor Matanovic had missed his header.

Moments later, the ball hit Portugal's Renato Veiga and bounced into the path of Mario Pasalic, who assisted Gvardiol's effort in the 103rd minute.

However, a review deemed that sensors in the Adidas Trionda ball had detected a slight touch from Matanovic, therefore making Pasalic offside in the build-up.

Matanovic later admitted he made "slight contact" with the ball.

"Honestly, I think I felt a slight contact with my hair," he admitted, as per A Bola. "I asked the referee, I wasn't 100 percent sure if I had touched him. He told me that they have a chip in the ball, that there was a slight contact and that, therefore, it was offside."

Petar Sucic reveals what referee said about Croatia's disallowed goal

Despite FIFA confirming that sensors in the ball had detected a touch from Matanovic, the incident continues to spark debate amongst fans and players.

Josko Gvardiol scores the goal that was disallowed following a VAR review. Image credit: Getty

On Thursday evening, Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic gave an insight into what Norwegian referee Espen Eskas said about the moment.

"The referee told us that he didn't see our striker touch the ball. He said that he has a sensor in the ball and he decided like that. But I don't know what this is," said Sucic, who plays his club football for Inter Milan.

"It's really difficult to explain, but we expect somebody will explain to us because if what I saw is that [Igor] Matanovic didn't touch the ball. So, for me, it's a regular goal, but I don't know.

"I say we need to look better and a few more times. And also, they told me my goal is in difficult situation. They need to check more because he decided in one second and the situation is difficult."

"I don't know. Today is like that," he added. "Luck is on their side."

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic was highly critical of the officiating during Thursday's game, describing the refereeing as "very bad".

He added: "Not a single foul, not a single interruption in our favor. It was bad refereeing, but Croatia lost and we don't have the right to comment much. I'm sorry."