Shortly after the break, Croatia called for a penalty after a tackle on Davide Frattesi’s arm. After VAR review, the red and white were awarded a penalty and Luka Modric stepped up to the ball. The star squandered the golden opportunity.
But he took revenge on himself. Just over half a minute later, it was Modric who made it 1-0 by staying in front on a rebound that Gianluigi Donnarumma left when he responded to a great save moments earlier.
– What heaven and hell for Modric and Donnarumma, but in different ways, said Fjellström.
Thus, Modric became historic. He is now the oldest goalscorer of all time at 38 years and 289 days.
Acknowledged at stop time
The match went 1-0, but in stoppage time Mattia Zaccagni grunted in the equalizer in stoppage time.
– Oh my God, then. What a drama, said Fjellström.
– Football is brutal. It’s a brutal sport. The way it ends is absolutely incredible, said Ajdarevic.
With the result, Italy finished second in the group behind Spain. Italy will face Switzerland in the round of 16. Croatia, third in the group, is in danger of missing out on promotion after two points in three games. The four best group threes advance to the round of 16. Group winners Albania are eliminated.