Euro 2024, Italy break Croatia hearts with 98th-minute screamer: Stats
The Croatian football team was held by defending champions Italy, who reached the knockout stages of the 2024 UEFA European Championship after scoring in the 98th minute. Luka Modric's goal in the 55th minute was the difference as Croatia were almost home in a crucial Group B contest at Leipzig Stadium. However, substitute Mattia Zaccagni scored with the last kick of the match.
Croatia and Italy involved in a goalless first half
Croatia dominated the ball but Italy were in control. Both sides failed to find the desired spark in the final third. Luka Susic drew out a quality save from Guanluigi Donnarumma early on. Italy grew into the contest before Alessandro Bastoni's header from a corner was tipped magnificently over the bar by Livakovic. Both sides went into half-time goalless.
Croatia score after missing a penalty
Andrej Kramaric drilled a shot that hit Davide Frattesi on an outstretched hand and a penalty was awarded after VAR asked the referee to go to the pitchside monitor. Modric spurned the penalty. Moments later, Modric handed Croatia the lead after a cross in from the right was headed at goal from Budimir. Donnarumma made a great stop but Modric was present and scored.
Modric makes history at Euros
As per Opta, at the age of 38 years and 289 days, Modric is the oldest player to ever score at the UEFA European Championship finals. Modric made his 178th appearance for Croatia in all competitions. He scored his 26th goal. This was Modric's 4th goal at the Euros. He has scored one goal each in 2008, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Italy come from nowhere and deny Croatia
After going down, Italy found a way and caused problems. It was Bastoni again who missed a great chance after rising above his marker from 10 yards out. He failed to hit the target. Italy kept probing thereafter as Croatia relied on the counter. Italy arrived from nowhere. After some passes in midfield, Riccardo Calafiori made a brilliant burst and Zaccagni swept home.
Spain maintain 100% record, Albania finish bottom
Spain beat Albania on matchday 3. Ferran Torres scored the only goal as La Roja maintained a 100% record in the group stage. Spain finished with nine points with a goal difference of +5. They clocked their 3rd successive clean sheet. Albania finished bottom of Group B. They suffered two defeats and clocked a draw (1 point).
What about Italy and Croatia?
Italy finished with 4 points to claim second place in Group B. Croatia are placed third with one defeat and two draws. Croatia drew against Albania and Italy with both sides snatching a result late on. Croatia cannot finish as one of the four best third-placed teams which has almost ended their campaign.
Here are the match stats
Croatia had 1.49 expected goals to Italy's 1.06. Croatia managed six attempts with 4 shots on target. Italy had 13 attempts with three shots on target. Italy had 26 touches in the opposition box to Croatia's 21.
Latest goal scored by Italy at Euros
As per Opta, Zaccagni's goal is the latest goal scored by Italy in regulation time of the European Championships (97 minutes and 19 seconds). This was the 3rd meeting at major tournaments between the two teams. Croatia remain unbeaten against Italy (W1 D2).
Spain attain these feats
Torres has now scored the same amount of European Championship goals as David Silva and Cesc Fabregas (3). Dani Olmo, who assisted Torres, made his 4th assist in Euros. Only Cesc Fabregas (5) owns more since data was collected. Spain have won their opening three Euro matches for just the second time after 2008.
