Substitute Mattia Zaccagni scored in the last minute of stoppage time and Italy earned a 1-1 draw from Croatia to advance to the round of 16 of the European Men’s Soccer Championship. Monday in Leipzig.
Luka Modric’s strike in the 55the minute gave Croatia the lead, who would have secured second place in Group B with a victory. Zaccagni’s shot inside the post in the eighth minute of added time, however, gave the defending champions the point they needed to avoid possible elimination.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic was not too happy about the added time.
“You can’t add eight minutes after this game, that’s nonsense,” he said. There weren’t as many interruptions of play or as many fouls to justify that.
“I don’t want to make a fuss, but I think Croatia needs to be recognized and respected. We played for almost three hours. »
The Croatians have two points in three games and their fate will depend on the performance of the other teams who will finish third in their respective groups.
PHOTO EBRAHIM NOROOZI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Luka Modric and the Croatians were long-faced after the match
Modric scored 33 seconds after Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a save on a penalty shot to become the oldest goalscorer in Euro history. At 38 years and 289 days, Modric dislodged Austrian Ivica Vastic, who was 38 years and 257 days when he scored against Poland in 2008.
Italy will face Switzerland in the round of 16 on Saturday in Berlin.
“We were sluggish at times in this match, we didn’t offer our best soccer,” said Italian head coach Luciano Spalletti. When you can afford to draw, that’s how it goes, you know a draw is enough, you’re a little more timid.
Spain undefeated, Albania eliminated
Spain almost changed their entire formation on the field, but still remained undefeated at the Euros by virtue of a 1-0 victory which eliminated their opponents Albania, in Dusseldorf.
Since the team was already assured of finishing first in Group B, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente changed 10 players from his starting lineup.
PHOTO INA FASSBENDER, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match
A goal at 13e Ferran Torres’ minute gave victory to the Spaniards. A save by goalkeeper David Raya against Armando Broja during added time also allowed them to finish the preliminary round without allowing a goal.
“All the players are ready to play in the starting lineup, and that’s the key,” Torres said through an interpreter. Anyone can make the difference and substitute players are important too.
“I try to make things difficult for my coach and drill him into making me play. »
Spain won all three of its preliminary round matches for the first time since 2008, when it won the tournament.
Albania needed at least a draw to keep their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.
“We left everything on the pitch. I have no regrets for my players,” said Albanian coach Sylvinho.
This result also ensures that England, France and the Netherlands will participate in the round of 16.