Croatia captain Luka Modric criticised match officials following his team's round of 32 defeat to Portugal at the World Cup. He claimed decisions favoured the larger team and showed no evidence for key calls.
Modric spoke after Croatia lost 2-1 in Toronto on July 2. Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead, but a Ronaldo penalty and a late Goncalo Ramos header secured Portugal's win. A VAR review disallowed Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time equaliser.
Modric, in what was likely his 202nd and final international match, said there was no proof that Igor Matanovic touched the ball on the offside decision. He also disputed the penalty awarded against Nikola Vlasic, stating both players were pushing each other.
"We deserved a lot more. Some things didn't go our way," Modric told Croatian media. He added that VAR should only intervene on clear mistakes and accused officials of selective use depending on team size.
The 41-year-old Real Madrid midfielder is now expected to retire from football after a career that included six Champions League titles.
