It’s crunch time at Euro 2024 as we are in the last round of matches in the group stages. Luka Modric’s Croatia find themselves in a precarious position in their Group B as they need nothing less than a win when they lock horns against defending Euro champions Italy tomorrow at 9 pm.
Croatia succumbed to a damaging 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game and were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Albania in stoppage time last Wednesday. This means that the Croatians are currently languishing at the bottom of their group with one point and must vie for maximum points if they are to continue their journey at the European competition.
Spain currently top the group with six points and have already booked their spot in the knockout stages following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over -Italy on Thursday night.
Italy, on the other hand, is not off the hook as sitting in position two with three points is not enough to secure qualification for them. The Italians go into the encounter against Croatia also somewhat needing a result, as a draw could be enough to take them through. They will, however, be unable to reach the round of 16 if they lose and Albania beats Spain.
So, Luciano Spalletti’s side will not want to take that risk as they will be expected to go for a kill and proceed to the next round in their quest to defend their title.
Italy goes up against a Croatian side that will be desperate for a win in what will possibly be Modric’s last dance in international football as the midfield maestro will be turning 39 years old in September.
Croatia will advance to the knockout rounds as group -runners-up if they beat -Italy and Albania does not beat Spain.
Should Albania also win, Croatia and Albania will be split for second and third place by the goal difference criteria. Modric and his side will be unable to reach the round of 16 if they lose, or if they draw and Albania avoid defeat.
With Group B set to set the tone for the last round of matches tomorrow, Sunday World looks at some of the players who have starred at the Euro 2024 so far:
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Sitting with two goals so far in the tournament, 21-year-old Jamal Musiala wouldn’t have wanted a better start to his first Euro competition on home soil.
Musiala set the tone of the Euros when he scored the first goal of the tournament in Germany’s opening game against Scotland.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
At just the age of 16, Lamine Yamal has already set the Euro scene alight with his dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders without fear.
The Barcelona teenage sensation became the youngest player to play at the European Championship during Spain’s 3-0 win over Croatia in their opener.
With Spain already through to the round of 16, Yamal is one of the stars to look out for.
Arda Guler (Turkey)
Arda “Turkish Messi” Guler announced himself at the Euros by scoring an exquisite curler that has since been touted as an early contender for the goal of the tournament.
The 19-year-old became only the third teenager to score on his first Euro appearance after Ferenc Bene of Hungary in 1964 and the great Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal in 2004, where he produced a brilliant strike from 20 yards out.
Vitinha (Portugal)
Despite not being the hero on the day Portugal broke the Czech Republic’s hearts with a last-minute winner, Vitinha was by far the best player on the pitch. The 24-year-old midfielder walked away with the man of the match accolade and will certainly be a key figure in the Portuguese team
Nico Williams (Spain)
Another exciting prospect in the Spanish team is Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old skillful winger already proving to be a menace for defenders he goes up against.
Williams is fearless to take on defenders and is dangerous in one-on-one situations.
