Croatia experienced a heartbreaking moment on Monday, when Mattia Zaccagni canceled out Luka Modric’s emotional goal vs Italy in the dying seconds of their UEFA Euro 2024 group stage finale.
Even though Zlatko Dalic’s boys still had a slim chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, that chance vanished on Tuesday. With England’s draw against Slovenia, Croatia have been eliminated from Euro 2024 round of 16 contention.
Zlatko Dalic’s men went from potentially finishing second in Group B to being third with only two points. But somehow, Modric and company still had a chance to advance in this year’s European Championship.
Why are Croatia already eliminated from Euro 2024?
With Slovenia finishing third in Group C with three points, Croatia no longer have a chance to finish among the four best third-placed teams in the Euro 2024 group stage.
What results did Croatia need to advance in the Euro 2024?
Modric and company recorded only 2 points in three games, so they depended on a miracle to make the last 16. The chances were slim, but they still existed. Croatia needed this series of results to advance in the Euro 2024 in Germany:
- England beating Slovenia by 3+ goals
- Turkey beating Czech or have a goalless draw
- Portugal to beat Georgia or have a goalless draw
How many 3rd placed teams qualify for Euro 2024 round of 16?
Let’s keep in mind four third-placed teams qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16, joining the top two teams from each group in the European Championship last 16.
