Croatia’s Late Equaliser Keeps Italy in the Last 16 of Euro 2024
In a dramatic finish to the group stage of Euro 2024, Croatia’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds were dashed by a last-minute equaliser from Italy. Despite a valiant effort from the Croatian team, Italy’s late goal ensured their place in the Round of 16 alongside Spain, the group winners.
Luka Modric seemed to secure Croatia’s spot in the last 16 with a powerful shot into the net early in the second half. This goal came after Modric had missed a penalty, but his quick recovery seemed to lift Croatian spirits. For a while, it looked like his goal would be enough to see Croatia through as one of the top two teams in Group B.
However, in stoppage time, Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni scored a stunning goal in the 98th minute, leveling the score and keeping Italy’s chances alive. This late equaliser was a bitter blow for Croatia, who had been close to advancing but now faced an uncertain future. With only two points from their group matches, Croatia’s hopes of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams seemed slim.
The result means Italy will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 on Saturday, 29 June. For Croatia, the end was particularly devastating. Their players fell to the ground in despair, while their fans in the stands were left in shock, unable to believe the dramatic turn of events.
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, had not been at their best in the tournament so far. They lost heavily to Spain and then drew with Albania. This led them to enter the final group match as underdogs against the defending champions, Italy. Croatia seemed to embrace this underdog role and started the match strongly, putting Italy on the defensive. However, their struggle to convert chances into goals looked like it might cost them dearly.
Modric, the 38-year-old Croatian star, was a beacon of hope. After his missed penalty, he swiftly recovered to score, igniting celebrations among Croatian fans. Despite managing the game well after Modric’s goal, Croatia could not hold on. Zaccagni’s late strike was a crushing blow, ending Croatia’s hopes for now.
The future for Croatia’s aging squad remains uncertain. Modric, along with other key players from their World Cup semi-final run two years ago, are now in their mid to late 30s. Their performance in this tournament raises questions about their ability to compete at the highest level in future competitions.
For Italy, the match provided a much-needed boost. Despite having looked out of sorts for much of the tournament—coming from behind against Albania and losing to Spain—they managed to scrape through to the next round. Coach Luciano Spalletti made some changes for this game, but Italy was still largely outplayed by Croatia. However, their persistence paid off with Zaccagni’s goal, and their fans celebrated long after the final whistle.
This result could be the spark Italy needs to find their form in Euro 2024. With a place in the last 16 secured, they will be hoping this dramatic finish will inspire them to perform better as the tournament progresses.
