After missing a penalty in the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage final, Luka Modric had a wild minute as he put Croatia up against Italy. Regretfully, it was insufficient to save him from elimination.

In a little minute, Luka Modric experienced every feeling. On Matchday 3 of the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage, he gave Croatia the lead against Italy 55 minutes into the match.

However, the Real Madrid midfielder missed a penalty kick just moments before, which would have broken the tie. After 54′, Gianluigi Donnarumma dived to his left to stop the spot-kick after guessing his purpose. Thankfully, Modric was able to make amends quickly.

The 38-year-old, who nearly cost Croatia the opportunity to advance in the Euros, was spotted crying during the festivities after scoring a goal that would have advanced his nation to the next round.

But, Croatia’s hearts were dashed in stoppage time when Italy’s Zaccagni equalised in 90+8′ to win the game. Italy finishes second in Group B with this draw, while Croatia is in third place with just two points. This implies that Modric and his group will not be competing in Euro 2024.

It appeared as though Donnarumma would keep Croatia from taking the lead in Leipzig, but Zlatko Dalic’s team persisted in searching for the opening goal, which arrived just one minute after Modric’s mistake. The seasoned actor also broke down in tears during the festivities.

Modric surpasses all previous European scorers in age.

Modric surpassed Ivica Vastic of Poland to become the oldest goal scorer in UEFA Euro history at the age of 38 years and 289 days. In addition, he became the sole player to score in four different European Championships, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

The experienced midfielder has made 178 appearances for Croatia since making his debut in 2006, and he currently has 26 goals and 29 assists. Modric is still making history at this point in his career. Because of this, it was only appropriate for the crowd to give him a standing ovation when Lovro Majer took over for Modric after 80′. Regretfully, it’s possible that this was his final international competition appearance.