Luka Modric-led Croatia crashed out of the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 qualifications after Italy came from behind to score a stoppage-time equaliser and ended the Vatreni’s hopes. With this draw, Italy clinched the second spot in Group B with four points while Croatia have managed two points and are placed third. Luka Modric was named the Player of the Match, however, the Real Madrid midfielder was left emotional after the heartbreaking draw against Italy and talked about his potential retirement in a post-match interview.
Croatia captain Luka Modric scored the opener against Italy in the 55th minute after missing a penalty a minute ago. However, Zlatko Dalic’s side suffered a major blow in the last minute as Italian midfielder Mattia Zaccagni scored a goal in the 90+8th minute.
The goal broke every Croatian player and fan’s heart while Luka Modric looked devastated after the 1-1 draw despite winning the Player of the Match award. With this draw, Croatia slipped to the third spot with two points in three matches and currently stand at the fifth spot in the third-placed sides in the Euro 2024. While the top two sides from each group book the Round of 16 berths, the top four third-placed sides will qualify for the knockouts.
In a post-match conference, the 38-year-old Modric talked about his potential retirement and responded to the praise from an Italian journalist. Following the reporter’s tribute, Modric said, “Thank you very much for this wonderful tribute, right from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I’d also like to keep playing forever but there probably will come a time when I have to hang up my boots. I’ll keep playing on, I don’t know for how much longer but thank you very much for your words.”
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Spain and Italy have confirmed their Round of 16 qualifications from Group B while Croatia and Albania have been eliminated from the UEFA Euro 2024.