TPO - After Italy equalized 1-1 in the last minute, Croatia is 99% eliminated from EURO 2024 right from the group stage.
Before the final match of Group B, Croatia had only 1 point and was at risk of being eliminated early. Luka Modric and his teammates had to beat Italy to decide their own fate.
Croatia came very close to a ticket to the round of 16. They dominated the match in the first half but could not score the opening goal. In the beginning of the second half, Croatia continued to miss golden opportunities when Modric could not beat Donnarumma on the 11m mark. However, this midfielder "atoned" when he successfully kicked the rebound after Ante Budimir's dangerous shot a few minutes later.
It was thought that Croatia would defend the 1-0 score and move on with their heads held high, but everything collapsed for them right in the last minute of extra time. In the 90+8 minute, Mattia Zaccagni placed a perfect shot, sending the ball flying into the far corner of Croatia, equalizing 1-1 for Italy.
This is the second consecutive match where Croatia have dropped points at the last minute. Against Albania, they also let their opponents equalize 2-2 in the 90+5 minute. This result cost them dearly. On the contrary, Italy can breathe a sigh of relief as they advance as the second team in Group B.
In the same match, Spain defeated Albania 1-0 with a reserve team, helping Croatia to take 3rd place in Group B. However, the chance for Croatia to get through the narrow door to the round of 16 is very small. With only 2 points in hand and a goal difference of -3 goals, Modric and his teammates are 99% eliminated.
In the 6 groups at EURO 2024, at least 3 groups have the third-placed team with more points than Croatia (groups A, D, E). Meanwhile, the third-placed team in group C (Denmark or Slovenia) also has at least 2 points and a higher goal difference than Croatia.
EURO 2024 Group B Final Standings
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Source: https://tienphong.vn/chung-cuoc-bang-b-euro-2024-croatia-99-bi-loai-post1649214.tpo
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