Croatia had to win against Italy in Leipzig, Monday evening, for its last match in Group B of Euro 2024. And the Vatreni were finally held in check by the Squadra azzura (1-1 ). The Italians are qualified, and the Croatians almost eliminated in the race for the best thirds. In the other match, Spain won against Albania (1-0), which is officially eliminated from European competition.
Published on: 06/24/2024 – 11:04 p.m. Modified on: 06/24/2024 – 11:14 p.m.
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It was a Group B summit and a fear match between Croatia and Italy in Leipzig on Monday June 23. Woe to the winner, who risked being eliminated from Euro 2024. And in the end, the Vatreni were held in check by the Squadra Azzura at the last second of the game (1-1). The Italians advance to the round of 16, and the Croatians risk being eliminated in the race for the best third-place finishers.
From the first minutes, the two selections showed commitment and Croatia started on a completely different pace than their first two Euro 2024 matches. The Vatreni were quick to light a first fuse on a tense strike from Luka Susic every 20 meters measured at… 121 km/h. Gianluigi Donnarumma must work to deflect the ball and prevent the Squaddra Azzura from being led from the start (5th).
Italy tries to react, but Lorenzo Pellegrini’s header when receiving a cross from Federico Dimarco lacks precision and goes wide of the Croatian goal (11th). The Italians gradually put their foot back on the ball, and the match was balanced accordingly. The Squadra azzura is showing itself more and more precise, and Josko Gvardiol is not too much to deflect Mateo Retegui’s precise header for a corner, found on a cross from Riccardo Calafiori (21st).
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Croatia is now struggling to exist in this first act, and Italy is increasing their pressure. On a cross from Nicolo Barella, Alessandro Bastoni found himself alone at the far post a few meters from the Croatian cage and placed a header. Dominik Livakovic finally prevented him from opening the scoring with a decisive save at point blank range (27th). Lorenzo Pellegrini then attempts a low shot but the Croatian goalkeeper is not surprised and catches the ball (36th).
From joy to tears for Croatia
Upon returning from the locker room, will the generally tactical and closed first period give way to a more unbridled second act? A turning point took place in this two-minute meeting, a real emotional lift for Croatian supporters.
First, David Fratesi deflects a shot from Andrej Kramaric with his hand, and the referee designates the penalty spot after consulting the VAR. But Luka Modric sees his shot pushed back by Gianluigi Donnarumma (54th). However, in the process, the Vatreni captain finds himself at the end of a cross in the opposing area, and he closely adjusts an unstoppable strike this time for the Italian goalkeeper (1-0, 55th).
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The Squadra Azzura has not said its last word, like this corner where Alessandro Bastoni’s header brushes the Croatian target (61st). Darmian is then found alone at the far post, but he takes too much time to strike and allows the Croatian defense to get back on him (66th). The Vatreni are holding on, even if they have suffered the match since the opening score.
And at the end of the match, Croatia did not break, even attempting projections on the counter when they had the opportunity. The Italians, for their part, lack precision in the last gesture. The referee gives eight minutes of additional time, the Vatreni resist until the end… until the last action concluded by Mattia Zaccagni, who equalizes with a curl which ends in the top corner (1-1, 90th + 8) .
Albania eliminated… and the French team qualified!
In the other Group B match, Spain won against Albania (1-0) thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres in the first quarter of an hour (13th). La Roja was already assured of playing in the round of 16 and finished this group stage in first place, while Albania was eliminated from the Euro.
This defeat of Albania also benefits… the French team, officially in the round of 16 – because with four points, the Blues will be assured of being in the best third place if they finish in this place.
