In a dramatic finish, Mattia Zaccagni scored in the final minute of stoppage time to earn Italy a crucial equaliser, breaking Croatia’s hearts and ensuring the defending champions progress to the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Luka Modric had initially seemed to seal the win for Croatia, sending them through as runners-up in Group B when he slammed a shot into the roof of the net early in the second half. This goal came after Modric had seen a penalty saved, but his quick response to that setback appeared to be enough for the Croatians.
However, Italy levelled the match in stoppage time when Zaccagni curled home in the 98th minute, ensuring they advance along with group winners Spain.
The late equaliser was a cruel blow for Croatia, who had been moments away from progressing. With only two points, it is now unlikely they will finish as one of the best third-placed teams. At the final whistle, Croatian players collapsed to the ground while their fans stood motionless in disbelief at the dramatic turn of events.
Euro 2024: Croatia with only slim chances of advancing
The 2018 World Cup finalists had struggled in the first two games of this tournament, losing comprehensively to Spain and drawing with Albania. Entering the game against the defending champions as underdogs, Croatia appeared to thrive on this label, dominating the early stages and putting Italy on the back foot.
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Despite their dominance, Croatia’s struggles in the final third seemed to be their downfall. Modric, the 38-year-old captain, recovered quickly after seeing his penalty saved to drive a shot into the roof of the net, sending Croatian fans into a frenzy.
Croatia managed the game superbly from that point, but Zaccagni’s late strike shattered their dreams with almost the last kick of the game.
The result leaves questions about the future of Croatia’s ageing stars. Modric and other key players, who led Croatia to a World Cup semi-final two years ago, are now in their mid to late 30s, and their international futures remain uncertain.
