Euro 2024 Drama: Modric Sets Record As Italy And Spain Showcase Strength

Euro 2024 continued to deliver excitement on Monday, as Group B reached a thrilling conclusion. Spain, already group winners, secured a 1-0 victory over Albania in Dusseldorf, making it three wins from three. Meanwhile, reigning champions Italy salvaged a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Leipzig, booking their place in the last 16. Here are the best Opta facts from the day's action.

Luka Modric made history by becoming the oldest player to score at the Euros at 38 years and 289 days old. His goal in the 55th minute seemed to secure Croatia's second-place finish. However, Italy's Mattia Zaccagni had other plans. Zaccagni scored his first goal for Italy with just 41 seconds of stoppage time left, ensuring Luciano Spalletti's team advanced to face Switzerland next.

Italy have now come from behind to avoid defeat in two of their three group games at Euro 2024. They also beat Albania 2-1 on Matchday 1. Previously, they had only managed this feat twice in the finals of the competition: a 2-1 win against Bulgaria in 2004 and a 1-1 draw against Romania in 2008.

Spain's victory over Albania was achieved despite Luis de la Fuente making several changes to the lineup. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, helping Spain become just the second team to win all three group stage games without conceding a goal at a Euros, after Italy did so at Euro 2020.

Dani Olmo provided a sublime pass to Torres for his fourth assist at the Euros. This was Olmo's seventh appearance in the competition, with only Cesc Fabregas providing more assists for Spain since records began in 1964 (five). Alex Grimaldo also impressed by creating five chances, the most by any Spanish defender in a single match at a major tournament since records began in 1980.

Croatia have failed to win any of their group games at an edition of the European Championships for just the second time (D2 L1), having previously done so in 2004 (D2 L1). Each of their last four meetings with Italy across all competitions has ended in a draw since Croatia's 2-0 friendly win in August 2006.

Modric’s goal came just moments after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his penalty. Donnarumma has now conceded only two of his last seven penalties faced at the Euros, saving four and seeing one hit the woodwork. Modric’s close-range finish made him just the second player to score at four different editions of the Euros, following Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored in five.

Albania’s fate was sealed as they were knocked out at the group stages for a second time (alongside 2016). This was also their first edition where they failed to win any game (D1 L2).

Italy’s late equaliser marked their latest goal ever scored at the Euros outside extra-time, clocking in at exactly 97 minutes and 19 seconds. The match saw Italy avoid defeat after trailing for only the third time in this tournament’s history.

Spain have not conceded a goal during this group stage for the first time ever in a major tournament. Ferran Torres has been directly involved in seven goals across nine appearances under De la Fuente (five goals and two assists), more than any other Spanish player under his management.

Whether Modric has played his final game at this tournament remains uncertain. Croatia now rely on England beating Slovenia by a three-goal margin to progress further.

The day’s matches highlighted both Spain’s defensive prowess and Italy’s resilience under pressure. As Euro 2024 progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and historic achievements on football’s grand stage.