Luka Modric: Croatia’s Euro 2024 campaign was ‘unfair’

Luka Modric has lamented that football is “ruthless and cruel” after Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Italy left them on the brink of victory. Euro 2024 elimination.

Croatia have taken just two points from their group stage matches and need a minor miracle to secure a place in the round of 16. They finished third in Group C and need England to beat Slovenia by at least three goals on Tuesday to hold on. chance to place among the top four teams in third place, which would allow them to qualify for the round of 16.

Modric scored the first goal of Croatia’s matchday three against Italy, but they were pegged back by a 98th-minute equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni which proved to be the final kick of the match.

It was the second consecutive match in which Croatia conceded deep into stoppage time, succumbing to a 95th-minute Klaus Gjasula goal in their 2-2 draw with Albania.

Speaking after Monday’s stalemate with Italy, an emotional Modric claimed Croatia’s campaign had been slightly “unfair” because of their commitment and passion.

“We fought until the end, but unfortunately the football was merciless tonight, the football was cruel,” said the Real Madrid midfielder. “Not just today, but also in our last game where we conceded a late goal.

“It’s hard when you lose like that to find the words to describe how you feel. Of course we have to bounce back but that’s what it is. Maybe it’s unfair because we all fought for Croatia from the first whistle to the last, the football gods don’t always smile on us.”

Croatia are now on the brink of their first group stage exit since their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign, having only been knocked out twice before the knockout stages of a Championship of Europe when it competed as an independent nation.