The magnificent performance of of Real Madrid star Luka Modric and his UEFA Player of the Match award were not enough to secure a spot for Croatia in the Euro 2024 knockout stages after a nail-biting clash with Italy.
The world witnessed the end of the golden age of Croatian football as Luka Modrić and his teammates were knocked out of the summer tournament on Monday evening, Footballrover reports.
Mattia Zaccagni’s last-minute equaliser for Italy sent Croatia crashing out of the tournament, despite Modric’s historic goal.
The 38-year-old Real Madrid superstar became the oldest player to score in the UEFA European Championship finals, but his achievement was bittersweet.
???????????? UEFA Player of the Match: Luka Modrić.
Hearthbreaking for the legend. ???? pic.twitter.com/VYoNlb73gt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2024
Croatia’s elimination marks the end of an era for the ageing squad, which has achieved remarkable success in recent years.
Modric reflected on the cruel nature of football, stating,
“Football can be very cruel… I want to play football forever, but we know that this is impossible. One day I will have to announce my retirement from playing, but I do not know when that will be.”
The dramatic finale saw Italy advance to the last 16, while Croatia’s hopes of progressing as one of the third-place finishers are all but extinguished.
Luka Modrić couldn't believe it ???? pic.twitter.com/DnijjKN2Eh
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 24, 2024
Modric will now return to Real Madrid to prepare for the upcoming La Liga season.
This heartbreaking exit may signal the end of an era for Croatian football, but Luka Modric’s legacy will live on as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
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