Croatia had to win against Italy to qualify for the Last 16, while Spain were guaranteed top spot against an Albania side that also knew they had to win to qualify. Here is a rundown of Matchday 11 of our Euro Boot Battle.
Magnificent Modric Denied Fairytale Ending
The first half was a somewhat tight affair, with both teams understanding the magnitude of the game. The keepers were the stars of the show. Luka Sučić had an early strike on goal that looked destined for the net, but Gianluigi Donnarumma stood up to the test, tipping it over. Alessandro Bastoni had the Italian’s best chance, but his powerful header was well saved by Dominik Livaković. Half-time: 0-0 – Croatia heading out.
Modric Misses, Modric Makes Up
The biggest incident of the game came ten minutes into the second half. Davide Frattesi handled the ball in the area and a penalty was given. Veteran Luka Modrić stepped up – a player who has won more Champions Leagues than you’ve had hot dinner. A player who is the most famous and best ever Croat player. A man who laughs in the face of pressure, with a middle name of ‘Composure(ić)’… penalty saved. Donnarumma got down well to his left to keep it out.
HOW COULD YOU?! LUKA LUKA LUKA. I’d have put my house on you scoring. I mean, you’re Mr Dependable. You’ve never let your country down and have led them to countless successes in major tournaments. I do not believe… oh wait he just scored. Yes, seconds later he picked up on a rebounded shot and fired into the roof of the net from close range, to give Croatia a knockout-sending goal.
Italy pushed on, knowing defeat would put them at the mercy of the third-place-finishers lottery. They struggled to break down a well-drilled Croatia side who looked resilient. But the fairytale was gone in the final seconds of the game. Mattia Zaccagni had a ball fed into him on the left and his first-time effort curled beautifully into the top-right corner. In what would possibly be legend Mordić’s final tournament, his side were knocked out in cruel, last-gasp fashion.
Adidas
Zaccagni (Goal): 3
Nike
Modric (Goal): 3, (Missed Pen): -3, (MOTM): 4
Running Total: Adidas 136 – Nike 155
Spain Hand Pain to Albain(ia)
Spain Albania was far from just a formality. Sure, Spain had nothing to play for, already securing top spot in the group, but Albania knew a win would see them into the knockout stages. Spain rested players as well, giving them more hope for an upset.
Spain had the first opportunity, with Mikel Merino’s towering header being well saved. They then took the lead after a great through ball found Ferran Torres in on goal. He finished cleverly from a tight angle to give La Roja the lead. It wasn’t all one way traffic, with David Raya called into action a couple times, but Spain were fully in control.
Albania tried hard to breakdown Spain, but the Spaniards were largely in control throughout the second half and could have added to their tally had it not been for Thomas Strakosha being in fine form. It ended 1-0 and Albania head out of the tournament having impressed many.
Adidas
Torres (Goal): 2, (MOTM): 4
Raya (Clean Sheet): 3
Grimaldo (Clean Sheet): 2
Vivian (Clean Sheet): 2
Nike
Navas (Clean Sheet): 2
Running Total: Adidas 149 – Nike 157
Boot Battle Standings (Adidas 149 – Nike 157) – Matchday 11:
Team Adidas clawed back at Nike’s lead in our Euro 2024 Boot Battle. Modrić would have made things worse for Adidas, had he not missed a pen and been deducted three points – securing a goal and MOTM. The Spain game heavily tipped the balance of the day back in Adidas’ favour, with them seeing off Nike 13-2 in that game alone. Nike still lead, but it’s close as the knockout phrase nears.
Tomorrow, a number of heavyweights return, including England, France and Netherlands, in what could be a decisive day of the Euros.
