Together with his first objective within the “Squadra Azzura” jersey, Mattia Dzakani despatched Italy to the final 16 and Croatia house within the 97th minute!
He entered the sector on the age of 38 years, 9 months and 15 days and thought he had lived all of it. And but, soccer got here to disprove him, to remind him that irrespective of how outdated you might be, there’s at all times one thing extra excessive by way of upheaval, emotion.
Croatia have been taking part in for his or her lives to not go house prematurely and wasted a whole half taking part in… miserably.
What appeared just like the penalty they received turned out to be a nightmare when Luka Modric's effort was saved by Donnarumma.
And but, the “God” of Croatian soccer discovered a option to atone. Within the very subsequent section, he acquired his blood again, grew to become the oldest scorer within the historical past of the Euros and believed that he was sending his nation to the “16” of the Euros.
However not. The soccer God had a special opinion. Within the final section of the match, within the 97th minute, seconds earlier than the ultimate whistle, Matias Jakani did the unattainable.
Together with his first objective in an Italy shirt, Spalletti's golden change made it 1-1 and despatched Italy by means of to the final 16 and forward of Switzerland because the Croatians return house the onerous means.
Like…knockout
It didn't really feel like a bunch match. It was a knockout match. This had nothing to do with the group sport, and it appeared from the tactical strategy of the 2 coaches.
A good 4-5-1, with 5 gamers who can theoretically play as central midfielders for the Croatians, a 3-5-2 à la Inter for the Italians who have been really taking part in for 2 outcomes.
And this performed a task in how the primary half developed. The “squadra azzura” gave meters and the ball (solely 41% of possession), was completely strong and waited for its moments.
Croatia didn't even handle to set foot of their space, the one time they have been threatened was Sucic's shot from 30 meters, which Donnarumma impressively cleared for a nook (4').
The offensive plan of the Italians was very particular. They patiently appeared for the isolations of the 2 excessive backs (Di Lorenzo, Dimarco) they usually tried with fillings to search out the “gap” within the coronary heart of the realm.
One way or the other, within the twentieth minute, Reteghi discovered himself in a capturing place, however his header from the peak of the small space was blocked by Guardiol, whereas a bit later (27') a formidable intervention by Livakovic was wanted.
The unmarked Bastoni discovered himself in splendid situations to shoot, however his header was stopped by the Croatian goalkeeper, who improbably stored the rating at 0-0.
Climax of drama
The setting of the primary half couldn’t be continued – a minimum of for the Croats. Dalic added quantity, substance, peak to the strike line with Budimir and his transfer proved sensible.
The Croatian ahead stored one section within the space and from Kramaric's shot, the ball discovered the hand of Fratezi, who had additionally entered the break.
The penalty was indicated with the assistance of VAR, however what adopted was much more excessive. Donnarumma “fished” Luka Modric and saved Italy (54'), however the battle between them was not over.
Within the subsequent section, Budimir with a projection from the small space noticed Donnarumma elevate his stature once more, however Modric, who took the rebound, calmly despatched the ball into the online for 1-0 (55') in a improvement that made the multi-experienced Croatian to “break down” and tear up.
What adopted was a siege with out… substance. The Italians settled across the opposing space, Spalletti emptied his bench as creatively as he may, however in actuality the squadra azzura couldn’t create a transparent section.
Till the final section of the match. Calafiori with a vertical header, reached simply exterior the realm, handed to the left to Xakani and he with an ideal placement within the facet internet made it 1-1 (97') and despatched the European champions over Switzerland within the spherical of 16 and Croatia at house.
Croatia (Zlatko Dalic): Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Guardiol, Brozovic, Modric (80' Mayer), Kovacic (70' Ivanovic), Sucic (70' Perisic), Pasalic (46' Budimir), Kramaric (90' Juranovic).
Italy (Luciani Spalletti): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Darmian (81' Jaccani), Dimarco (57' Chiesa), Barella, Jorginho (81' Faggioli), Pellegrini (46' Fratezzi), Raspadori (75' Scamaka) ), Retegi.
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