Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni stole the headlines with a sumptuous right-footed strike for Italy, to cancel out Luka Modric’s strike and leave Croatia on the brink of European Championship (Euros) elimination.
In what was expected to be a must-win game for both sides, Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena witnessed the most dramatic end to an European Championship game as both teams settled for a point after a frantic finale.
Croatia, who were denied victory in their last group game against Albania via a late Gjasula strike, were up for the big fight against the Italians.
Both coaches played it safe, with a measured approach in the first-half as the team’s headed into the break on level terms.
However, Croatia’s skipper Luka Modric broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, tucking home from close range to give the 2018 World Cup finalist the lead.
Modric, who was denied a minute earlier from 12 yards by Italy’s Donnarumma, made amends with a first time finish, becoming the oldest player to score at the European Championships . (38 years)
Croatia managed to stick to their game plan, trying to see out the game, until injury time when the unfortunate happened.
Zlatko Dalic – manager of Croatia – replaced talisman Luka Modeic with 10 minutes to go, with an immediate response from Luciano Spalleti, bringing on two players for the Azzurri’s.
Zaccagani took the place of Darmian, and it proved to be decisive, as the Lazio forward struck late in injury time to secure a precious point for Italy and dent Croatia’s qualification hopes.
‘Oldratia’ out of sorts
Croatia’s starting midfield trio featured Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, with a staggering combined age of 99.
The legs are no longer there, Croatia – for the second game running- failed to see out a game after leading before stoppage time.
It was Albania’s Klaus Gjasula on Wednesday night in Hamburg with a strike that pierced the hearts of Croatia fans – and today, Zaccagani’s well taken finish all but ousts the 2023 Nation’s league finalists.
Croatia seem to have lost the spark, fight and hunger, with a chunk of the golden generation watching from home or the dugout; Ivan Rakitic retired, Mario Mandzukic is a part of the coaching staff, Perisic has to settle for a place on the bench.
Even Luka Modric, who possibly played his last game for Croatia, is no longer who he used to be, with Dalic’s side needing results to go their way from other groups in order to progress to the knockouts as one of four best placed third finishers.
Defending Champions, dig deep.
It all but looked certain Italy, failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after winning the Euros, were going to have their faith decided by other results, until Zaccagni popped up deep in injury time.
A goal to decide any game it was, a well taken goal and a dramatic finish to an exhilarating encounter.
Spalleti’s substitutions worked wonders as 29-year-old Zaccagni peeled away from Croatia’s defence before wrapping his foot round the ball from the edge of the D, finding the top corner with an outstretched Livakovic completely beaten.
The celebrations as the ball nestled in was telling, the defending champions were mightily relieved. A point, which is not just a mere point, guarantees Italy’s passage to the next stage of the competition, and a huge opportunity to be in contention for the final in Berlin to defend their crown.
Italy will hope the near-exit will cause a drastic turn in performances, as the team have it within their grasp to emulate Spain’s successive Euro’s triumph’s of 2008 and 2012.
–
Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
