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Richard Buxton·24 juin 2024
đŹ The Debrief as late drama seals Italy's EURO 2024 last-16 spot
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Richard Buxton·24 juin 2024
EURO 2024 delivered more drama as Group B reached its conclusion on Monday
Hereâs The Debrief of the action from day 11.
Italy stunned Croatia in added time to claim a 1-1 draw which secured their spot in the last-16. Elsewhere in Group B, Spain assured their leadersâ spot courtesy of a 1-0 win over Albania.
Until the eighth minute of added time, Luka ModriÄ looked set to add another crowning moment to his already glittering CV.
Croatiaâs evergreen captain had scored what appeared to be the decisive goal against Italy to send Zlatko DaliÄâs side through to the last-16 stage.
But Mattia Zaccagni had other ideas.
The Lazio winger produced a last throw of the dice for the defending champions as their third-place finish ran the risk of missing out on the knockout stage.
His effort was so sweetly struck that it left Dominik LivakoviÄ grasping at thin air as it sailed into net at Leipzigâs Red Bull Arena and spared the Azzurriâs blushes.
Scotlandâs EURO journey may have ended in heart-breaking fashion on Sunday with a stoppage-time defeat to Hungary.
But they werenât going to be allowed to leave with a whimper.
A traditional send-off was afforded to Steve Clarkeâs side as they prepared to begin the long journey back home.
The moment when Zaccagniâs wonder strike was destined for the top corner.
The Group B finales had far-reaching implications as England, France and the Netherlands were all assured last-16 spots without kicking a ball.
Italyâs hard-fought point was enough to seal a knockout meeting with Switzerland but Spain must wait to learn their next opponent despite finishing as group winners.
Similarly, third-placed Croatiaâs prospects hinge on the outcome of several other group results falling in their favour to assure.
Italy midfielder Jorginho :âThis is the beauty of football, when you see things are tough, but you keep believing, you believe in your teammates and keep fighting, you never give in and finally are repaid. The hard work of the team was behind what happened and everyone deserves the credit.â
Mikel Merino on Spainâs win over Albania: âWeâre talking about a team that gave Croatia and Italy a tough time. We were warned that they were going to be a very tough team. They can hurt you if you donât master the transitions. They made us run. But this team also knows how to suffer. When we had to resist, we did.â
Groups C and D conclude on Tuesday as England face Slovenia, Denmark take on Serbia, France entertain Poland and the Netherlands do battle with Austria.