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| Mattia Zaccagni celebrates after curling in a beautiful equalizer against Croatia on Monday to earn Italy a round of 16 ticket with the Croats heading back home. (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
Monday night saw a shade of everything football has to offer at the ongoing Euro 2024 championship, with Italy joining Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Portugal in the round of 16, but it also means the end of the road has come for Croatia. We look at a few hot topics from the tournament.
The end of the road for Croatia’s golden generation?
Croatia went from elation to despair with less than two minutes of added time to play. With the round of 16 waiting for them, Mattia Zaccagni curled one home, and it all unraveled for the Croats.
Croatia must beat Italy to secure a place as runners-up to Spain with only one point on the board. Luka Modric missed from the spot, but in split seconds, he rifled home from close range to hand Croatia the lead, but a late Zaccagni strike ended Croatia's hopes.
England must beat Slovenia to top Group B.
Albania and Croatia’s crashing already confirmed England’s place in the round of 16, but the Three Lions must beat Slovenia if they want to top Group B.
With two points on the board, Slovenia could advance to the next round as one of the best thirds, but they won't leave anything to chance. England, on the other hand, will fight for their rights to respect; this won't be an easy game.
Austria to trouble the Netherlands?
Austria has been the surprise package of this tournament; their 3-1 win over Poland has planted them firmly among the favorites for the round of 16, and a point against Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side could be enough to see them through.
While Le Bleus labored to a goalless draw against the Netherlands last week and would only need a point against Poland, the Poles would need a strong win to stand a slim chance of advancing.