Luka Modric made history in Euro 2024 by becoming the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history with his 55th-minute strike during a tense Group B clash between Croatia and Italy on Monday. The 38-year-old’s goal initially seemed to secure Croatia’s advancement to the knockout stage, but a last-minute goal from Mattia Zaccagni ensured a dramatic 1-1 draw, propelling Italy into the last 16 while leaving Croatia’s fate uncertain.
The match was a roller-coaster of emotions and high drama. Modric’s record-breaking goal came just moments after he missed a penalty, saved by Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Undeterred, Modric quickly redeemed himself by finding the back of the net, surpassing the previous record held by Austrian Ivica Vastic since 2008. His goal was a testament to his enduring skill and tenacity, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
Italy, needing at least a draw to secure their place in the knockout stages, fought hard against a resilient Croatian side. The tension was palpable throughout the match, with both teams creating opportunities but struggling to convert them into goals. Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, deployed a 3-5-2 formation, which saw the team play defensively, aiming to contain Croatia’s attacking threats. Despite their defensive stance, Italy did manage to pose occasional threats, such as when Mateo Retegui’s header deflected dangerously towards the goal.
Croatia, led by coach Zlatko Dalic, kept their experienced midfield trio of Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic on the pitch for most of the match. This decision seemed to pay off as Croatia dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities. Luka Sucic’s effort forced a fine save from Donnarumma, and Dominik Livakovic, Croatia’s goalkeeper, made an equally stunning save to deny Alessandro Bastoni at the other end.
As the match neared its conclusion, Croatia appeared to have done enough to secure their spot in the next round. However, in the 98th minute, Zaccagni delivered a stunning strike that shattered Croatian hopes and sent the Italian fans into raptures. Zaccagni’s goal pushed Italy to second place in Group B, behind Spain, and secured their progression to face Switzerland in the last 16.
In the aftermath of the match, Modric expressed the emotional toll of the game. “It’s very stressful,” he said. “We kept battling until the end but unfortunately, football was merciless with us tonight.” His disappointment was palpable, but his performance on the night earned him the player of the match award, a small consolation for his efforts.
Despite the setback, Dalic’s strategic changes throughout the match, including the introduction of powerful striker Ante Budimir, showed a proactive approach as Croatia looked more threatening in the second half. However, Italy’s defensive resilience and Zaccagni’s late heroics proved too much for Croatia to overcome.
Modric, reflecting on his future, remained uncertain about how long he would continue playing. “I’ll keep playing on, I don’t know for how much longer,” he said. His words underscored the uncertainty of a player who has given so much to the sport and continues to perform at the highest level even as he approaches the twilight of his career.
For Italy, the draw was a crucial result that highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Spalletti’s tactical adjustments and the team’s defensive solidity were key factors in securing the result. As they prepare to face Switzerland in the knockout stages, Italy will look to build on this performance and continue their journey in Euro 2024.
For Croatia, the road ahead is less certain. Their fate now depends on the outcomes of other matches in the group, leaving them in a precarious position. The team will need to regroup and hope for favorable results elsewhere to secure their place in the next round.
The match between Croatia and Italy was a showcase of drama, skill, and the unpredictable nature of football. Modric’s historic goal and Zaccagni’s last-minute strike encapsulated the highs and lows of the beautiful game, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Euro 2024.
