Exit Of An Icon: A Tribute To Chief Ezeogo Uma Nchege Nwoke

Italy’s hopes of advancing in Euro 2024 hung in the balance until substitute Mattia Zaccagni’s stunning 98th-minute equalizer secured a 1-1 draw against a resilient Croatian team. Croatia’s Luka Modrić had put his side ahead in the second half, positioning Croatia as potential group runners-up.

However, Zaccagni’s late strike ensured Italy progressed to the knockout stage, needing just a point to move forward, while Croatia, with two points from three games, must now rely on other results to possibly qualify as one of the best third-place teams.

Italy will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday at 18:00 in the opening game of the knockout stage. The match against Croatia was intense, especially in the first half, with remarkable saves from Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Croatia’s Dominik Livaković. Croatia proved to be a formidable opponent, maintaining their unbeaten record against Italy in major tournaments. Modrić’s goal also made him the oldest scorer in Euros history at 38.

In Group B, Spain maintained their perfect record with a 1-0 victory over Albania, finishing the group stage without conceding a goal. Coach Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to the starting lineup, yet Spain continued their winning streak. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute, and goalkeeper David Raya's crucial stoppage-time save from Armando Broja preserved the clean sheet. This win marked Spain’s first time winning all three group stage games at the Euros since their 2008 triumph.

 

Despite dominating the first half, Spain missed several scoring opportunities, with notable misses from Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino. Albania, who failed to record a shot until the 45th minute, began to pressure Spain in the second half. De la Fuente responded by bringing on forwards Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal. However, Albania’s late efforts were not enough to change the outcome.

The loss relegates Albania to last place in Group B and eliminates them from the tournament. The result also ensures automatic qualification for France, England, and the Netherlands to the next round. Despite the defeat, Albania coach Sylvinho expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “We left it all on the pitch. I have no regrets for my players.”