Italy Advances to Knockout Stage of Euro 2024; Mattia Zaccagni's Dramatic Late Goal Shatters Croatia's Hopes
Luka Modric scores a goal ten minutes into the second half following a missed penalty, making it seem like Croatia, nicknamed Vatreni, would make it to the knockout stages. However, Zaccagni had other plans, utilizing Riccardo Calafiori's pass in the 98th minute to curve his shot past Dominik Livakovic and into the top corner. This turned out to be the final kick of the match as the referee blew the whistle for full-time instantly after the restart, leaving disheartened Croatia players on the brink of victory. Modric appeared dejected on the bench, burying his face in his hands.
Spain, on the other hand, procured a 1-0 victory against Albania thanks to Ferrán Torres' first-half goal from Dani Olmo's pass, finishing Group B with nine points from nine games.
Last-minute twists
In the past, Croatia has proven to be tough competition for Italy. Italy hasn't tasted victory against Monday's opponent in their last eight encounters, a streak dating back to November 1994. Italy's only win against Croatia happened in their first encounter in 1942.
After a 3-0 loss to Spain in Croatia's first game at Euro 2024, concerns arose about the tournament being too much for a team struggling with age. These concerns were not alleviated by a 2-2 draw with Albania.
In contrast, Italy has demonstrated mediocre performance throughout the tournament, managing a 2-1 win against Albania and being outplayed by Spain in a match that ended 1-0 in favor of Spain.
The opening 25 minutes were uneventful, possibly due to the teams' nerves and the pressing importance of the situation.
Luka Sučić attempted an early long-range shot that was tipped over the bar by Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the tournament's standout players. Italy's defender Mateo Retegui had a header blocked for a corner kick shortly after.
However, Italy should have taken the lead minutes later when Nicolò Barella's cross found Alessandro Bastoni unmarked at the far post, but a stunning save from Livakovic denied what looked like a certain goal.
Italy displayed more intent than Croatia throughout the half, but Croatia gradually asserted themselves as the minutes passed. Despite this, Italy continued to pose threats, with Lorenzo Pellegrini forcing another impressive save from Livakovic with a low strike from the edge of the area.
The first half was relatively quiet from Croatia, a team that would have known that a draw might not be enough to advance to the knockout stages.
However, the substitution of Ante Budimir for Mario Pašalic instantly changed the game for Croatia.
Croatia was awarded a penalty after a VAR review due to a handball by Davide Frattesi, but Modric saw his weak penalty kick saved by Donnarumma. A minute later, Modric redeemed himself, scoring from close range following a save on Budimir by the Italian keeper.
Italy had another chance to respond immediately, but Bastoni missed an open header, placing the ball over the crossbar.
If the score remained as it was, Bastoni and the rest of Italy would have faced a nerve-wracking wait to find out if they would make it to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Fortunately for Bastoni, this tense wait was avoided when Zaccagni scored with a stunning first-time effort in the 98th minute, ensuring Italy's qualification.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Italy's performance, keep in mind not to underestimate the Azzurri. This resilient team is known for pulling off results when it matters the most, and few would relish the prospect of facing them in the next round.
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Despite Italy's victory, Croatia's fans will still be eager to watch their team play football in the future, hoping for a rematch with a different outcome. In the upcoming group stage matches, Croatia will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and perhaps secure a spot in the knockout stages next time around.
