The goal that was disallowed for 2:2 in the 103rd minute of Croatia’s match against Portugal caused a lot of controversy.
Croatia had a goal by Josko Guardiola disallowed for offside, and Portugal advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Many disputed that decision by referee Espen Eskas from Norway, who will no longer be officiating at this World Cup.
The decision may be related to what happened in the match between Croatia and Portugal, the Croatian media outlet “Sportske novosti” wrote.
According to this media outlet, the head referee, Pierluigi Collina, was not happy with the penalty awarded to Portugal in that match. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty to make it 1:1.
However, there are other interpretations as to why the Norwegian Eskas has returned home.
Norway has qualified for the round of 16 and there aren’t many matches in which Eskas could be a referee.