Croatia’s Euro 2024 Journey Ends in Heartbreak

The final group stage match marks the likely end of Croatia’s Euro 2024 journey. For Italy, the match brought a huge sigh of relief. The match was as intense as it gets, with fouls multiplying as both teams fought fiercely to defend their positions, eventually leading to more than eight minutes added to regular time.

Tactical Choices and Early Dominance

Head coach Zlatko Dalić will regret some decisions that cost his team qualification. Croatia executed their game plan well, making it difficult for Italy to find their rhythm in the first half. 

As the game progressively opened up, the Vatreni had the upper hand, with their midfield often thwarting Italy’s attempts. Brozović finally had a better game, despite his struggles with stamina. 

Croatia showcased their best-attacking football of the tournament, utilizing their midfielder and full-back wide overloads to push Italy back. Their narrow wingers also helped gain a positional advantage on the pitch. 

However, the same issue that plagued them in the match against Spain reappeared: Croatia lacks a reliable target man. 

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Lineup Adjustments and Criticism

Zlatko Dalić made strategic changes to his lineup, placing Luka Sučić on the left, Andrej Kramarić in the center instead of Ante Budimir, and Mario Pašalić on the right wing. 

This decision drew criticism from Croatian fans on Twitter, who pointed out that neither of the “wingers” are natural wingers. They’re both midfielders, while Kramarić was not exactly a pure nine either – he’s more of a midfielder.

Despite these unconventional choices, the team functioned well, especially from the first half-hour onwards. Croatia’s dominance during this period was evident, and it was no surprise when they scored between the 30th and 70th minutes, marking a phase of strong play from the West Balkan nation.

Modrić’s Goal and Croatia’s Control

However, the problem, as often with Croatia, is that the likelihood of scoring was not 100% – it was almost. 

The misses across the campaign will forever haunt Croatia. Eventually, Croatia found the goal through Luka Modrić. After the controversy in the match against Spain over who would take the penalty, it was fitting that the captain and eternal legend Luka Modrić stepped up. But against all expectations, Modrić’s initial shot was saved by Donnarumma. 

While some Italians were still celebrating, the rebound saw Luka take the ball against – and score. But in a dramatic turn, Modrić scored on the rebound, bringing relief to Croatian fans who anxiously watched their team chase the three points needed for a chance at qualification.

Despite the lead, Croatia’s performance remained calm and steady. Yes, Italy dominated possession, but they could not break through, and there seemed to be no problems for Croatia’s defense. Although often lacking in stamina, the Croatian team managed to hold the center well. 

Everything seemed great, as Italy needed a goal to ensure qualification as the second-placed team, which led them to attack Croatia’s box more often.

Dalić made substitutions around the seventieth minute, presumably to waste time and maintain the lead. Croatia continued to press Italy and create chances, but none found the back of the net.

The Costly Substitution and Italy’s Persistence

When you fail to score, you risk being scored on. Dalić made a crucial error by substituting Mateo Kovačić, disrupting Croatia’s midfield dominance. This decision allowed Italy to exploit the weakened center, multiplying their chances. 

The Vatreni suffered as they defended, and although it seemed like the equalizer was coming, it just wouldn’t. There is no doubt that it felt as if Croatia had done the hardest part. 

The game became more intense; it was raining yellow cards, and several heated arguments arose. Italy multiplied their shots without success. Unfortunately, the absence of Mateo was heartfelt, as Italy suddenly could regularly pass through the midfield without too much trouble.

Italy’s Late Equalizer and Croatia’s Fate

The difference-maker wasn’t in the attacker’s department, as most would notice. It wasn’t fresh legs in the midfielders either. It wasn’t about bringing in more solid defenders. No, the key was in adventurous and brave defenders. 

Gvardiol was regularly found in the final third as he carried the ball, similar to his games with Manchester City. He often played higher up as a full-back, but the lack of physical strikers in the box proved a problem yet again. It felt as if Italy would not go through, but destiny seemed to hate Croatia. 

After conceding a 90+5 equalizer against Albania, Croatia received the same treatment, but even later. Italy finally broke through in the 90+7, with just thirty seconds left in the game, as Mattia Zaccagni equalized, eliminating Croatia. He wasn’t even a starter – he touched the ball seven times, one of them being the crucial goal.

Reflecting on Croatia’s Journey

In many ways, Croatia had it coming. They repeated the errors from the first games, both in tactics and lineup choices, and deserved to be scored on. On the other hand, the ending was specifically harsh. 

Many, including the author, will lament Luka Modrić potentially leaving on such a note. Dalić often emphasized the importance of experience in his pressers, yet he didn’t value it tonight as two of the most crucial midfielders didn’t see the end of the game.

Modrić deserved a better send-off as a national hero, and it will hurt to think that this might have been his last match for his motherland. This tournament was full of almosts and injustices, but that’s the raw storyline of life. 

Future Considerations for Croatia

Croatia will now have to reflect on Zlatko Dalić’s future and whether his methods are still valued. Many eyebrows have been raised, as this tournament highlighted his tendency to rely on the same XI as in 2022, which clearly did not work out this time.