Italy’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Croatia not only secured their spot in the knockouts but also potentially marked the end of Luka Modric’s international career. The 38-year-old midfielder became the oldest scorer in European Championship history, breaking Ivica Vastic’s previous record. Despite the historic goal, Croatia remained unbeaten against Italy since gaining independence in 1990, with a record of three wins and six draws in nine games between the two nations.
On the other hand, Spain ended the group stage at the top of Group B after a 1-0 victory over Albania. Ferran Torres continued his impressive form by scoring his 20th goal for Spain, equalling Telmo Zarra for the 13th-most goals in team history. Spain also made history by not conceding a single goal throughout the group stage, a first in major international tournaments for the team.
Mattia Zaccagni’s first ever goal for Italy in the tournament came in the form of a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, making it the ninth stoppage-time goal in this year’s Group Stage. Dani Olmo’s fifth assist in major tournaments since 2020 further solidified his place as a key playmaker for Spain. Additionally, Jesus Navas became the oldest player to represent Spain in a major international tournament, surpassing the previous record set in Germany 2006.
Spain’s perfect record in the group stage also harked back to their previous Euro success in 2008 when they went on to win the tournament after winning all three of their group stage games. This achievement may bode well for their chances in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Italy’s decision to field a starting XI without any Juventus players for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup marked a significant departure from tradition for the team.
The Euro 2024 group stage provided fans with thrilling moments, historic milestones, and unexpected results. Italy and Croatia’s intense rivalry continued, while Spain showcased their dominance and defensive prowess. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, these performances will undoubtedly set the stage for more exciting matches and memorable moments.