Italy Stun Croatia with Late Goal to Advance at Euro 2024
In a dramatic conclusion to their Euro 2024 Group B campaign, Italy secured a spot in the round of 16 with a last-gasp equaliser against Croatia, drawing 1-1. The match, held on Monday, saw defending champions Italy advance while leaving Croatia’s tournament hopes in jeopardy.
Mattia Zaccagni emerged as Italy’s hero, curling home a stunning 98th-minute equaliser. Coming on as a late substitute, Zaccagni’s moment of brilliance broke Croatian hearts and ensured Italy’s progression. His exquisite finish came after Luka Modric had given Croatia a 55th-minute lead, rebounding from a missed penalty moments earlier. Modric’s goal had looked set to secure Croatia’s advancement before Zaccagni’s late intervention.
Croatia, who finished third in Group B with two points, are now left in an anxious waiting game to see if they can qualify for the knockout stages as one of the best four third-placed teams. Modric’s goal, a well-placed effort following his penalty miss, had reignited Croatian hopes, but Zaccagni’s last-minute equaliser cast a shadow over their future in the tournament. Dominik Livakovic, Croatia’s goalkeeper, could only watch in despair as Zaccagni’s shot nestled into the far corner.
Italy’s draw left them second in Group B with four points. Spain topped the group with a perfect record, securing nine points after a 1-0 victory over Albania. The result for Albania meant they finished bottom of the group with one point, and their elimination indirectly benefitted teams not in action. England, France, and the Netherlands were all guaranteed spots in the round of 16 as the best third-placed teams.
Italy will next face Switzerland, who finished second in their group after a 1-1 draw with Germany on Sunday. The match promises to be another thrilling encounter as Italy aim to continue their title defense. Switzerland, having shown resilience in their group, will be a formidable opponent.
The Euro 2024 Group B match between Croatia and Italy was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. While Italy celebrated their hard-fought advancement, Croatia were left to ponder what might have been. As the tournament progresses, Italy’s last-minute heroics will be remembered as a defining moment in their campaign, and the football world waits with bated breath to see if Croatia can still find a way to progress.
Euro 2024 Group B: Spain Beats Albania to Secure Perfect Group Stage Record
Spain showcased their Euro 2024 title aspirations with a narrow yet convincing 1-0 victory over Albania, cementing their status as the Group B winners with an unblemished record. Ferran Torres’s early strike was enough to see off a spirited Albanian side, who were left heartbroken as their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages were dashed.
Already assured of a last-16 berth as group winners, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente opted for wholesale changes, making ten alterations to the lineup that triumphed over reigning champions Italy. Despite the significant rotation, Spain’s depth and quality shone through, with Torres emerging as the man of the match.
Torres’s goal in the 13th minute was a testament to Spain’s attacking prowess. Dani Olmo, one of the few remaining regulars, threaded a precise pass through the Albanian defense, allowing Torres to finish clinically with his left foot, the ball kissing the post on its way in. This early strike set the tone for a match that saw Spain dominate possession and control the tempo, rendering Albania’s energetic efforts largely futile.
Spain’s pastel-yellow second strip might have contrasted with Albania’s fervent red and black supporters, but on the pitch, it was a display of cool dominance. De la Fuente’s experimental lineup managed to keep Albania at bay, with Arsenal’s David Raya called into action only sporadically. His first significant save came at the end of the first half, a sharp dive to deny Kristjan Asllani’s powerful shot.
Albania, despite their boisterous fans and the fever pitch atmosphere, struggled to break down a well-organized Spanish defense. Their most promising moment came when Chelsea’s Armando Broja was introduced in the 60th minute. Broja’s immediate impact nearly resulted in an equalizer, but Raya’s quick reflexes preserved Spain’s slender lead.
De la Fuente’s decision to rest key players and test the squad’s depth paid off handsomely. Aymeric Laporte was the sole survivor from the Italy match, providing stability at the back. The midfield, marshaled by the experienced Olmo and the industrious Fabian Ruiz, maintained control and dictated the play.
Joselu, leading the line, displayed moments of brilliance, notably a volley that narrowly missed the target early in the second half. Spain’s ability to mix flair with discipline will undoubtedly serve them well as the tournament progresses.
Spain’s flawless group stage performance is reminiscent of their 2008 campaign when they also won every group game en route to the title. They topped Group B with nine points, with Italy following in second place with four points after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Croatia, who finished third with two points. Albania, managing just a single point, finished bottom of the group, ending their dreams of a historic progression.
The defeat for Albania had wider repercussions, inadvertently aiding other tournament heavyweights. With Spain’s victory, France, Netherlands, and England were able to secure their places in the next round ahead of their final group matches, adding further intrigue to the knockout stage dynamics.
Spain’s blend of youth and experience, combined with their tactical versatility, positions them as formidable contenders as they advance. The performance against Albania, albeit with a second-string lineup, demonstrated their squad depth and the strategic acumen of De la Fuente.
As Spain gears up for the business end of Euro 2024, fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching how this rejuvenated squad navigates the pressures and challenges of knockout football, with hopes high for a repeat of past glories.
In contrast, Albania will look back on their Euro 2024 journey with a mixture of pride and regret. Their spirited performances, though not enough to secure progression, provided memorable moments and invaluable experience on the continental stage.
Spain’s methodical approach and tactical flexibility, showcased in their perfect group stage run, make them a team to watch as the tournament moves into the knockout phases.
