In the early morning of June 25th, Beijing time, Group B of the European Cup group stage, Croatia vs. Italy. In the 98th minute, Italy staged a great show and tied Croatia 1-1! Italy, with 4 points in 3 games, miraculously qualified second in the group. Croatia, ranked 9th in the world, has 2 points in 3 games, but its fate is yet to be determined, but its hope is slim.
This is a life and death battle related to qualifying. Italy will qualify if they draw, while Croatia will be eliminated if they lose. In this game, Italy lined up the trident of Raspadori, Retegui, and Pellegrini; Croatia led the midfielder with Magic Flute and Kramaric as the center.
The last time Italy defeated Croatia was in a friendly match in 1942, a 4-0 victory. Spalletti's team shouted the slogan of winning and qualifying before the game. Italy does not have the advantage in possession, but is very threatening on counterattacks and set pieces.
In the 27th minute, Italy's second corner kick attack, Varela dropped the ball into the penalty area, Bastoni header from close range, goalkeeper Livakovic made a brave save!
In this first half, Croatia only had 2 shots and 1 shot on target, and the offense was lackluster. I have to lament that Croatia is old and does not have the courage to fight in a life-or-death duel, nor the energy and ability to fight. The 38-year-old Modric was unable to support himself, and the 31-year-old Brozovic also lacked motivation. The battle of life and death was extremely dull.
changed sides and fought again. In the 54th minute, Italy's Fratesi sent a point, Modric took charge, and Donnarumma turned sideways to save the ball!
Croatia continued to attack, Budimir's shot was saved, Modric scored with his left foot from 4 meters, and Croatia led 1-0!
This goal caused a huge change in the group ranking! In the real-time standings, Croatia has jumped from the bottom to second place with 4 points, Italy has 3 points, and Albania has 1 point. 138 years and 289 days old, Modric has become the oldest goalscorer in the 64-year history of the European Cup!
"Daily Mail" pointed out that Modric missed the penalty kick, and it was only 32 seconds before Modric scored with a powerful shot! completes the transformation from sinner to hero (from zero to hero).
html Trailing 00-1, Italy decided to put all their efforts into play. Chiesa Jr. and Scamacca appeared successively. Spalletti used Scamacca and Retegui's double-high center style. In the 80th minute, Modric was replaced, and Croatian fans gave the legendary star a standing ovation.The injury time lasted for 8 minutes, and Italy launched a fierce counterattack. In the 98th minute, a miracle happened! Calafiore passed the ball and Zacani made a perfect tie, 1-1!
This is truly absolute! Italy scored 4 points and qualified as second in the group, facing Switzerland in the 1/8 finals.
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