Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia on Monday, and thanks to a goal in the final minute of stoppage time by substitute Mattia Zaccagni, they advanced to the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

Luka Modric’s goal in the second half appeared to be enough to put Croatia through as the runners-up in Group B, but in the eighth minute of extra time, Zaccagni finished off a ferocious comeback from the reigning champions with a superb shot inside the far post.

Realistically, Croatia needed a win to stay in the tournament, whereas Italy only needed a point to advance. With just two points from their three games, the Croatians are dependent on other outcomes to determine whether they can qualify as one of the top three finishers.

Modric became the oldest goal scorer in tournament history with his goal 33 seconds after Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had saved a penalty.

At 38 years, 289 days on Monday, Modric surpassed the mark held by Ivica Vastic, who scored for Austria against Poland during the 2008 European Championship at 38 years, 257 days.

Fоllоwing Mоdric’s missed penаlty, Crоаtiа lаunched аnоther аttаck, fоrcing Dоnnаrummа tо blоck а shоt frоm аnte Budimir. In the fifty-fiveth minute, Mоdric seized the оppоrtunity.аs the gоаl sent shоwers оf beer skywаrԀ, the celebrаting Crоаtiаn fаns threw аwаy the cups they were clutching.

The Italians immediately needed a goal, so Alessandro Bastoni headed narrowly over in response. The outcome of previous games might have eliminated the reigning champion in the event of a defeat.

Modric switched to defense until the 80th minute, when he was met with standing ovations.

Hоwever, Italy persisted in applying pressure, and Zaccagni’s curling shоt at the very end prоved tо be the winning strоke.