Italy stun Croatia with late goal to reach last 16

Soccer

An added time goal from Italy‘s Mattia Zaccagni snatched a 1-1 draw with Croatia which was enough to earn them a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group B runners-up where they will face Switzerland, while Croatia must wait to see if they progress.

After a scoreless first half, Croatia’s Luka Modric had a penalty saved in the 54th minute but less than a minute later he smashed home a rebound after Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off another fine save from Ante Budimir.

At 38 years, 289 days, Modric became the oldest scorer in European Championship history with the goal, but Croatia’s celebration would be shortlive.

The goal brought defending champions Italy to life, and they pressed for the equaliser, which would take them through and with time running out Zaccagni curled home a shot from distance to break Croatian hearts.

Spain top the group on nine points, Italy finish with four and Croatia are third on two points and must wait to see if they will progress as one of the best four third-placed finishers.

Albania are eliminated after coming bottom of the group on one point after their 1-0 loss to Spain, a result which means England, France and the Netherlands are now guaranteed to finish at least among the four best third-placed teams.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Pakistan quicks set up famous series win in Australia
Recent timeline of reignited beef between the Lakers and Grizzlies
Lower shares Los Cabos lead after eagle on 18th
Duke’s Scheyer irked amid Flagg’s cramping issue
‘He found his voice’: How Dan Quinn reinvented himself and made the Commanders contenders

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *