Croatian media: 'No one understands' what Josko Gvardiol did amid dramatic World Cup scenes vs Portugal

Josko Gvardiol had 15 minutes to forget as Croatia crashed out of the World Cup in late heartbreak against Portugal on Friday.

Zlatko Dalic's side were beaten 2-1, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos cancelling out Ivan Perisic's opener.

The Manchester City defender thought he had equalised in the final seconds, but the goal was ultimately ruled offside after the ball was adjudged to have been touched by Igor Matanovic before falling to the offside Mario Pasalic.

Gvardiol, who has reportedly signed a new contract with the Citizens until 2031, also played his part in failing to prevent Ramos' winner.

The 24-year-old had been said to be considering his options ahead of this summer, with Real Madrid supposedly among the interested teams.

But the defender, who spent four months out with a broken tibia before returning in May, looks to have committed his future to Man City.

Croatian media blast Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol's performances at the World Cup have indicated that he has not entirely recovered from his injury.

The defender only appeared in two games for Man City after returning, and is clearly still suffering from a lack of sharpness.

On Friday, he was brought on for the final minutes and misplaced two of his seven attempted passes.

The really damaging moment came when the ball was picked up and floated into the box by Rafael Leao, however.

Ramos was in between Gvardiol and Marin Pongracic, and should have never got to the ball. Instead of jumping to challenge for it, however, the Man City defender kept hold of the striker and watched as he climbed to head in the winner.

Alen Lesicki, reporting for Croatian outlet Germanijak, wrote: "He came on in stoppage time, moved to left back while Perisic took over his natural position from Vlasic. And lost the first defensive rebound with Pongracic that sent Croatia home. Why he didn't jump - no one understands."

Man City to be pleased at Gvardiol outcome

Gvardiol could not be blamed for the nature of why his equaliser was disallowed, but it would have been extremely painful regardless.

The defender will now have to put what was a difficult 15 minutes behind him as he focuses on his return to fitness.

Ultimately, that is what Man City may well have hoped for. The 24-year-old likely should not have even travelled to the World Cup, and it is fortunate that he has not suffered another injury.

It is hoped that Gvardiol will now be able to prioritise his recovery, ahead of a big first season for Enzo Maresca.