Modric scores in a draw as Croatia hang by a thread

Modric scores in a draw as Croatia hang by a thread

Croatia almost pulled off a miracle in their final group stage game against Italy at the Euros 2024, falling just short at the end. The 2018 World Cup runners-up were in the lead until the final minute of the added extra time but conceded with almost the final attack of the game. Mattia Zaccagni equalized with his first goal for Italy and crushed Croatian hopes of making it to the next round.

The defending champions made some changes to their setup and their starting lineup adopting a 3-5-2 approach. They were the better side on the night in comparison and came close multiple times via Alessandro Bastoni who saw his headed efforts being stopped by Dominik Livakovic. Luciano Spalleti’s side outshot their opponents 13-6 but saw eight of these efforts be blocked by Croatia’s deep defence.

Zlatko Dalic’s side saw more of the ball until they took the lead in the 55th minute and then fell back trying to defend that lead. They could only muster six shots in the entire game with none of them coming after the 55th minute, when they were awarded a penalty for handball. Overall it was a pretty shoddy display from Dalic’s men who seemed to be struggling for large parts. Their woes in the front of goal still continued as well as they look toothless in attack.

Luka Modric captained the side and despite his initial struggles to impose himself, came up with a decisive moment in the 55th minute of the game. Overall it was another uncharacteristic game from the Madrid maestro as he was seen chasing the pack a fair bit during the game. The reasons for his poor showings are two fold with Croatia’s degrading midfield performances not helping him one bit.

The 38 year-old scored Croatia go ahead goal from the same sequence after having his initial kick from the penalty spot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. In doing so he became the oldest goalscorer of all time at the Euros. The former Tottenham Hotspur player was inturn awarded with the Player of the match award, in what could likely be his last game at this tournament. The Ballon d’Or winner was subbed off in the 80th minute and replaced by Lovro Majer.

Croatia still have a non-zero chance of making it to the round of 16 as one of the best third placed sides but need a hell lot to go their way. Dalic’s men will be hoping fortune and other teams do them a big favor in the upcoming fixtures.