Life is sometimes just unfair, to say the least. That’s what Luka Modric experienced in the last couple of days as his national side came on the verge of the European Championship exit despite winning almost six points in the previous two group games. Instead, they’ve got just two after conceding two stoppage-time, last-gasp goals against Albania (2-2) and Italy (1-1).What a heartbreak!EURO 2024: Champions survived with an injury time goal against CroatiaThe World Cup bronze medalists were on the verge of not one but two critical victories that could have secured them second place in the group and Switzerland as the opponent in the 1/8 finals. Alas, they pray that pale England batter Slovenia with at least a three-goal margin in order to progress to the knockout stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8180853##And while he was below par against Silvinho’s Albania, the 38-year-old Real Madrid playmaker shone against Gli Azzurri as if he was still a teenager. Modric even managed to bounce back almost instantly after Donnarumma denied his penalty, netting just 33 seconds later thanks to superb intuition and cruel finishing.Moreover, Modric dominated the midfield during the entire match and deservedly won the Man of the Match award. However, after Zaccagni’s shocking equalizer in the 98th minute, it was a bittersweet reward for the remarkable veteran as his face proved.Zaccagni goes into a full Del Piero mode as Azzurri recreate 2006 magicDuring the post-match press conference, he received praise from an Italian journalist, who noticed that it’s a shame he can’t play forever because of his incredible skills and football knowledge.Unlike the previous two World Cups, which saw Croatia punch way above their weight with second and third place, this tournament showed that they’ve past their peak.In particular, the defence has proved to be the weakest part of Zlatko Dalic’s team, struggling to keep composure in all three group games. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol was far from the expected level, and others are just not of that ilk. pic.twitter.com/Pdk78958bj— Out Of Context Football (@nocontextfooty) June 24, 2024 The fact they conceded two latest goals in the history of the European Championships (90+5 against Albania; 90+8 against Italy) is crucial evidence of their physical and mental instability. And without it, you’re not capable of reaching the final stages. Such a shame because that’s the stage where Modric would definitely shine again.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GROUP STAGEMonday Albania – Spain 0-1 (0-1)/Torres 13/Croatia – Italy 1-1 0-0)/Modric 55 – Zaccagni 90+8/Tuesday 19.00: (2.30) Netherlands (3.45) Austria (3.30)19.00: (1.33) France (5.70) Poland (10.5)22.00: (1.42) England (4.70) Slovenia (9.00)22.00: (2.30) Denmark (3.45) Serbia (3.50)Wednesday 19.00: (3.30) Slovakia (2.05) Romania (3.85)19.00: (5.60) Ukraine (3.90) Belgium (1.70)22.00: (7.80) Georgia (5.20) Portugal (1.43)22.00: (2.65) Czech R. (3.40) Turkey (2.80)***odds are subject to change***
