Euro Cortado #11: Italian enigma crumbles Croatia
The Group of Death chose Croatia and Albania as its victims, Italy somehow cheat death and Spain laugh in its face
Was that the last we will see of Luka Modrić on the biggest stage?
It appears the more we ask that question, no matter which legend of the game we mention, the longer they seem to stick around. Therefore, consider that opening sentence my contribution to keeping the midfield maestro on the pitch for a little while longer.
The Group of Death at UEFA Euro 2024 would not be a group of death if it did not claim at least one big victim, and unless Slovenia are steamrolled by England today, it’s Croatia heading home, along with Albania.
It’s Tuesday, one coffee is probably not enough, so enjoy this Euro Cortado on me.
Mentality monsters under Croatia’s bed
A 95th-minute equaliser conceded to Albania; a 98th-minute equaliser conceded to Italy. Croatia’s Euros is all but over after surrendering four points from winning positions with essentially the last kicks of two games.
The build-up and curling finish for Mattia Zaccagni’s goal seemed to happen in slow motion as Croatia left themselves vulnerable late on - some players stood off, others went diving in, the end result was a disjointed defence all at sea and a heartbroken Luka Modrić watching on.
The Vatreni are always better in the World Cup, but we can’t blame their performance on the competition. One tournament too many for coach Zlatko Dalić and his ageing squad? I don’t buy it. Not only are just five members of the Croatia squad over the age of 30, but one thing that you should be able to guarantee from a team with vast tournament experience is the grit and determination to get over the line in tense fixtures. After all, we have seen such mental strength from Croatia countless times in recent years, and it was evident yesterday from that man Modrić, keeping his composure to score the opener 30 seconds after having his penalty saved.
Whatever the secret ingredient was that turned Croatia into the best never-say-die, never-know-when-you’re-beaten merchants was left behind in a Zagreb store cupboard this summer, but I hope Dalić and Modrić have one last hurrah in North America in two years’ time, they deserve to bow out on the back of World Cup Croatia, not Euros Croatia.
Champions of the enigmatic
One comfortable win after a shaky start, a defeat when they were clearly second best despite only conceding an own goal, and a stunning, last-gasp equaliser to send themselves through.
Who are Italy, and what do they want?
This Euro Cortado series is supposed to delve into what we have learnt during the tournament, but I still cannot make head nor tail of the reigning champions. So far, they have achieved three different results playing three different ways - maybe it is genius game management from Luciano Spalletti, or maybe he is still trying to work out how his team wants to play?
Either way, it is far from the clear style of using defensive rocks to devour opposing attackers before springing forward from the wings which won them the trophy three years ago. Of course, Roberto Mancini’s team were aided by actually having strikers, rather than rely on defenders for creativity, as this team must.
In the opening Round of 16 match on Saturday against a tough Swiss side, Italy will be forced to show what they are truly made of. Right now, I don’t have a clue.
Tiki-taka is not dead
Already qualified with two wins from two, Spain made 10 changes to their team for their meeting with Albania to keep themselves as lemony fresh as the kit they were wearing.
24 hours after Germany chose to go with the same starting XI and looked worse off for it, Luis de la Fuente’s men proved a change is as good as a rest, and indeed, good for a rest, as Ferran Torres’ 13-minute strike was enough to seal three more points.
Having played a new, direct style with plenty of wing play against Croatia and Italy, it was impressive to see them mix their old and new ways when up against a team they were expected to dominate.
Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Jesús Navas provided width and Dani Olmo some direction through the middle, yet they still had 59% of the ball, as they reverted to the old Spain way when needed; the intricate passing between Mikel Merino and MartÃn Zubimendi in particular in the heart of the midfield was a joy to watch, as two relatively inexperienced international players did a rather good Xavi & Iniesta impression.
For such a well-balanced blend to come from a second string speaks volumes of Spain, who can think ahead to Sunday’s Round of 16 clash against opponents TBC. Albania head home with a draw, two narrow defeats and a lot of respect to their name.
How far can Spain and Italy go in Euro 2024? What was to blame for Croatia’s failings? Should Luka Modrić retire? Let me know your thoughts and don’t forget to subscribe!
Anthony Tomas is a football writer and commentator, who writes for Flashscore and World Soccer Magazine.