Luka Modric shot Croatia into the last 16 after scoring a 62nd-minute goal in his team’s 3-1 win against Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday.
The Real Madrid star lurked on the edge of the box, waiting for the ball to get to him before brushing it into the top corner with the outside of his boot. At 35, he also became Croatia’s youngest and oldest goalscorer. Modric scored his first goal against Austria in 2008.
Luka Modri = Croatia’s youngest AND oldest European Championship goalscorer
EURO 2008 vs. Austria (22y, 273d)
EURO 2020 vs Scotland (35 J, 286 D)# EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/XufVodNCVi– UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) June 22, 2021
Modric had quiet first two group matches against England and the Czech Republic, with the midfielder being forced into lower positions and Croatia being criticized for lack of spark in attack. But the playmaker in front of roaring Scotland fans showed his class and why he won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 – in the same year he helped his team reach the World Cup final.
The 35-year-old fell on his knees for about a minute at the final whistle, then stood up and clenched his fists in jubilation. Croatia’s two more goals were scored by winger Nikola Vlai with a low shot from close range in the 17th minute and a header from Ivan Perii in the 77th minute.
Scotland, who scored their only goal of the tournament through Callum McGregor, finished bottom of Group D.
Croatia will next face runners-up in Group E, with Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and Poland still battling for position in Copenhagen on June 28th.
England defeat the Czech Republic and lead Group D.
Elsewhere in London, Raheem Sterling scored his second goal at Euro 2020 on Tuesday and secured a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley. Both teams had already qualified for the round of 16.
The Manchester City player step up as Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane takes a barren run in front of goal.
However, the English captain made his first shot on goal at Euro 2020 against the Czechs after failing against Croatia and in a 0-0 draw against Scotland.
RESULT
Sterling goal secures England first place in Group D.
Who was noticed? # EURO2020
– UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) June 22, 2021
The goals in Glasgow had a big impact on the Czechs, who have dropped from first to third and are unsure where their round of 16 will be.
Group D winners England return to Wembley on Tuesday to face Group E runners-up who will likely be France, Germany or Portugal.
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