How Croatia can still qualify for knockout stages after Italy draw

• Croatia were held to a 1-1 draw against defending champions Italy as Gli Azzurri progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2024
• The 2018 World Cup runner up ended the group stage with two points but still have a chance to qualify for the next phase
• Sports Brief looks at the scenarios that could see Luka Modric and his teammates advance as they aim to win their first European Cup

Croatia’s path to the Euro 2024 knockout stages remains open despite ending their group stage with just two points. However, they need specific results to fall in their favor.

Luka Modric’s goal in the second half against Italy briefly put Croatia in position to secure second place in Group B and an automatic spot in the round of 16.

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Unfortunately, a 97th-minute equaliser from Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni ensured Italy’s advancement instead, leaving Croatia in third place with a minus three goal difference.

Given their current standing, Croatia’s progression to the knockout stages is improbable, as only the top four third-placed teams advance.

Currently, Croatia sit in fifth place in the six-team ranking, ahead of Czechia, who still have a game left in Group F.

How Croatia can still qualify for Knockout phase

For Croatia to qualify, they rely on a series of specific outcomes. Group A’s third-placed team, Hungary, along with the third-placed teams from Groups D and E, are guaranteed to finish ahead of Croatia due to having three points each.

Croatia’s hopes rest on results from Groups C and F.

In Group C, Croatia needs Slovenia to lose to England by more than three goals or exactly 3-0, while Denmark must defeat Serbia.

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In Group F, defeats for both Czechia and Georgia by Turkey and Portugal respectively would leave these teams with one point each, allowing Croatia to finish ahead of them.

While the odds are against Croatia, the unpredictability of tournament football means that surprising outcomes are always possible.

Modric among top stars defying age

In an earlier publication, Sports Brief highlighted six top stars over 35, including Luka Modric, who continue to perform at an elite level.

While footballers often reach their peak in their mid-20s and typically decline in their early 30s, goalkeepers usually enjoy longer careers.

Some players even excel with age, using their experience to outperform younger competitors.