Croatia lets victory slip against Italians in the eighth minute of stoppage time

(Patria) - The Italian national team has qualified for the round of 16 of the European Football Championship being held in Germany.

The Italians drew with Croatia tonight at the "Red Bull Arena" in Leipzig, in the last round of Group B, with a score of 1:1, securing their point literally in the final moments of the match.

🇮🇹 Zaccagni sends Italy into the round of 16 👏#EURO2024 | #CROITA pic.twitter.com/QOanUMGJh5

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024

The outcome of tonight's match, which was full of yellow cards, will very likely distance Zlatko Dalić's players from the Euro round of 16.

There were no goals in the first 45 minutes, during which Croatia had their best chance in the fifth minute when Luka Sučić shot well towards the crossbar, but the Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma prevented the goal.

Italy had their best chance in the 27th minute, when Bastoni was left alone at the far post, but his good header was even better saved by Livaković.

As the match progressed, the Italians became increasingly dangerous.

At the start of the second half, Croatia was given a perfect opportunity to take the lead. A penalty was awarded in the 53rd minute, but Modrić's shot from the spot was saved by Donnarumma.

However, just two minutes later, Modrić corrected his mistake. After Budimir's attempt, the ball bounced to Modrić, who hammered it under the crossbar for a 1:0 lead.

Until the end of the match, Italy pressed hard, attacked, and threatened, and Croatia held on until the 98th minute, when Zaccagni scored in the last minute of stoppage time to make it 1:1, likely pushing the Vatreni further away from the round of 16.

With tonight's draw, the Italians secured second place in Group B with four points and guaranteed a round of 16 match against Switzerland on Saturday.

Croatia finished third in the group with two points and must wait for the results in other groups.


Group B Standings

However, at this moment, the chances of Croatia being among the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16 are very slim.

In the other Group B match, Spain defeated Albania 1:0 in Düsseldorf tonight. The only goal was scored by Ferran Torres in the 13th minute.

Spain finished first in the group with nine points, and Albania last with one point.