Zero to hero! Luka Modric misses penalty before putting Croatia ahead just 32 SECONDS later in...
From Zero To Hero: Modric Misses Penalty But Scores 32 Seconds Later, Making Euros History
Posted: 9:21 PM, June 24th, 2024 | Edited: 10:01 PM, June 24th, 2024
Luka Modric quickly turned the tables in Croatia's important Group B match against Italy at Euro 2024, going from unnoticed to celebrated in just 32 seconds.
After a scoreless first half, Croatia was given a penalty in the 54th minute when Davide Frattesi committed a handball. The 38-year-old experienced player then scored to give his team the lead.
However, his penalty kick was not powerful enough and Gianluigi Donnarumma was able to save it easily, which left Modric feeling extremely disappointed. Nevertheless, he wasted no time in trying to make up for his mistake.
Croatia got the ball back and launched another attack, with Donnarumma making another great save to stop Ante Budimir. But then Modric got the rebound and scored without any errors this time.
The goal caused a lot of excitement among the happy Croatian fans, as Modric fell to the ground and was surrounded by his teammates after an amazing sequence of play.
Luka Modric quickly scored from a short distance just 32 seconds after failing to convert a penalty.
He enthusiastically cheered in front of the Croatia supporters after scoring the goal that gave his team the lead.
Just moments before, he had moved forward to take a penalty kick following a handball.
The attempt was feeble and easily blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Modric's goal made him a part of Euros history, as he became the oldest player to score a goal in the tournament.
He will be 39 in September, and Euro 2024 is predicted to be his last big competition.
The midfielder was probably hoping to end on a high note, after coming in second and third place at the last two World Cups.
However, Croatia did not begin the tournament well, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Spain and ending with a 2-2 draw against Albania.
Going into Tuesday's game, they understood that they had to defeat Italy in order to surpass their Group B competitors and ensure a spot in the next round.
Modric's goal appeared to guarantee them a place in second position and a pathway to the knockout rounds, but Croatia's chances are now in jeopardy after Mattia Zaccagni's late equalizer in the 98th minute.
Mattia Zaccagni scored a thrilling last-minute goal to put Croatia in a precarious position, close to being kicked out.
Now, they will have to depend on other outcomes going in their favor in the next 48 hours. This could potentially mark the conclusion of Modric's career representing his country on the global stage.
He was substituted with a little over 10 minutes left, and could do nothing but watch in dismay as his teammates couldn't hold on to win all three points.
