Luka Modric broke an all-time European Championship record during Croatia’s draw against Italy.
Group B was settled on Monday night as winners Spain maintained their 100% record at Euro 2024 with a win against Albania but there was late drama in the group’s other fixture.
Croatia needed to beat Italy to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of the tournament and their Real Madrid talisman stepped up to give them the lead in the 55th minute with a rebound from a penalty.
However, Italy would strike at the death with Mattia Zaccagni scoring in the eighth minute of injury time to send them through and leave Croatia anxiously awaiting other results to go in their favour to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Modric was seen with his head in his hands at full-time in what could be his final major tournament as a player and was named man of the match for his showing.
In what will prove to be little consolation if Croatia do not progress, he is now the oldest ever goal-scorer in European Championship history at 38 years and 289 days.
Croatia finished their group campaign on two points meaning it is highly unlikely they will qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Speaking after the game, Wayne Rooney admitted the full-time scenes were difficult to watch as a dejected Modric stood in the centre circle draped in an Italian jersey.
“It is hard to watch as we’re wondering if this is Luka Modric’s last game for Croatia?” he said.
“It is hard to take and he has been such a great player.”
Luka Modric cut a dejected figure at full-time (Getty)
While it could be the end for Modric’s international career, he will have the opportunity to add even more trophies to his cabinet next year after signing a contract extension at Real Madrid.
His current deal was set to expire at the end of this month but the midfielder penned a one-year deal to extend his stay in the Spanish capital.
He started just 18 games last year as Madrid cruised to another La Liga title before adding another Champions League crown to their arsenal against Borussia Dortmund.
During the Champions League celebrations, Modric delivered a simple message to the Madrid supporters: “See you next season, Madristas!”
He is believed to have taken a significant pay cut to extend his stay at the Bernabeu.
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