Italy’s breathtaking last-gasp equaliser against Croatia not only secured their spot in the knockouts but also potentially marked the end of Luka Modric’s illustrious international career. With a man-of-the-match performance, Modric showcased his enduring quality and became the oldest scorer in European Championship history at the age of 38 years and 289 days.
Spain’s Dominance in Group B
Spain concluded the group stage by clinching the top spot in Group B after halting Albania’s dream run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Their solid defensive display and efficient play ensured their progression to the knockout stage with a perfect record.
Notable Statistics and Milestones
– **Oldest Goal Scorer:** Luka Modric’s historic goal made him the oldest scorer in Euro history, surpassing Ivica Vastic’s previous record set in 2008.
– **Late Drama:** Italy’s stoppage-time equaliser was the ninth of its kind in this year’s Group Stage, highlighting the thrilling nature of the tournament.
– **Debut Goal:** Mattia Zaccagni opened his account for Italy with a crucial goal, showcasing his ability to deliver on the big stage.
– **Historic Lineup:** Italy fielded a starting XI without a Juventus player for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant shift in their squad composition.
– **Unbeaten Streak:** Croatia maintained their unbeaten record against Italy since gaining independence in 1990, underscoring the competitive nature of their encounters.
– **Scoring Milestone:** Ferran Torres reached a milestone by scoring his 20th goal for Spain, solidifying his place in the team’s history books.
– **Defensive Prowess:** Spain’s flawless defensive record in the group stage, without conceding a single goal, marked a historic achievement for the team in major international tournaments.
– **Assist Leader:** Dani Olmo emerged as a key playmaker for Spain, leading the assists chart in major tournaments since 2020 with his fifth assist in Euro 2024.
– **Age Record:** Jesus Navas set a new record as the oldest player to represent Spain in a major international tournament, highlighting his longevity and experience.
– **Historical Omen:** Spain’s perfect group stage record echoed their successful campaign in 2008, raising hopes for another triumphant run in the tournament.
Italy and Spain’s performances in Euro 2024 have been filled with memorable moments, individual milestones, and team accomplishments. As the tournament progresses, these powerhouse teams will look to build on their success and continue to dazzle fans with their skill and determination on the pitch.
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