“I don’t know what to say” - Luka Modric reacts after conceding last-minute equaliser vs Italy and staring at likely Euro 2024 group stage exit

Croatian captain Luka Modric opened up after the 1-1 draw against Italy in their final group stage game in Euro 2024. Croatia are on the verge of being eliminated from the tournament depending on the results of the remaining group-stage fixtures.

Speaking to the media after the match, Modric said (h/t Madrid Xtra):

"I don’t know what to say. We're sorry that it wasn't the victory needed to go to the next round. Football can be very cruel, and that is what happened to us tonight."

After a scoreless first half, Croatia was awarded a penalty courtesy of a handball from Davide Frattesi in the second period. Modric stepped up to convert the penalty but was denied by Donnarumma. However, he scored a rebound goal moments after the missed penalty, giving Croatia a 1-0 lead.

They held on to the lead, which could have led them to the knockout stage. However, in the final moments of stoppage time, Mattia Zaccagni shattered their hopes in the last moment by scoring a sensational equalizer that led the Azzurri to the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Despite the draw, Modric was awarded the Player of the Match award for his performance.

---

Can Luka Modric's Croatia still qualify for the Euro 2024 Round of 16?

Croatia v Italy: Group B - UEFA EURO 2024 (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Luka Modric's Croatia can still make it to the Euro 2024 Round of 16 if the results of the remaining group-stage fixtures in the tournament go in their favor. They finished third in Group B with only two points, which will not be enough for them to make it to the next round due to their -3 goal difference.

Four out of the six third-placed teams will make it to the next round, and the next fixtures must end a certain way for Modric's side to qualify. They are in fifth place among the third-placed teams in Euro 2024, ahead of the Czech Republic.

As of now, Austria (Group D), Slovakia (Group E), Hungary (Group A) and Slovenia (Group C) are ranked higher than Croatia. Hungary is guaranteed a spot on the list, while teams from Groups D and E will finish ahead of Luka Modric's Croatia, as they have three points each.

If Slovenia and Serbia both lose to England and Denmark, respectively, Croatia could make it to the top four among third-placed teams ahead of Slovenia. But there's a catch: England will have to beat Slovenia 3-0 to make up for the goal difference. Meanwhile, Denmark must defeat Serbia.

In Group F, the Czech Republic and Georgia will have to lose to Turkey and Portugal, respectively, so they finish with one point each. Both the scenarios in Group C and Group F must take place for Luka Modric and his team to make it to the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

It is a difficult situation, and there's a high chance that Croatia will not make it any further in the tournament. However, it all depends on the remaining fixtures.