In a turn of events that left fans heartbroken, Croatia’s national football team has been eliminated from Euro 2024, following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Italy. Despite the disappointing outcome, Croatian captain Luka Modric has confirmed he has no immediate plans to retire from international football.

Luka Modric, at 38 years and 189 days old, made history by becoming the oldest player to score in the European Championship. His goal against Italy came in the 55th minute, just 33 seconds after he missed a penalty kick. This record-breaking feat places him in the history books of the Euros, with only Cristiano Ronaldo potentially able to surpass this milestone in the near future.

The Heartbreaking Match

Croatia needed a win to secure their place in the knockout stages, and Modric’s goal had given them a vital lead. However, their hopes were dashed in the 98th minute of injury time when Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni scored an equalizer, sealing Croatia’s fate. The draw left Croatia with just 2 points, effectively eliminating them from the tournament and making it unlikely for them to secure one of the third-place spots for the best-performing teams.

Future Plans with Real Madrid

Despite the Euro 2024 setback, Modric’s career is far from over. Earlier this month, he extended his contract with Real Madrid for another year, although he has openly acknowledged that his playing days are numbered. “I want to play forever, but there will come a time when I have to hang up my boots,” Modric remarked after the match. “I will continue to play, but how long that will be, I cannot say.”

Reflecting on the Match and Future

When asked if this would be his last appearance for the Croatian national team, Modric was non-committal, stating, “Let’s wait and see. Now is not the time to discuss that.”

A Bittersweet Achievement

Modric’s historic goal came amidst a tumultuous match where emotions ran high. Despite his remarkable achievement, Modric expressed that the personal accolade meant little in the face of the team’s overall result. “This record doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t help the team,” he said. “We fought like lions, but football can be cruel, and today it was particularly harsh on us.”

A Controversial Ending

The Croatian captain did not hide his frustration with the officiating, particularly the decision to add eight minutes of injury time. “I don’t understand the basis for giving eight minutes of added time. The way we lost today is just painful,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of the draw.

Looking Ahead

Though Croatia’s exit from Euro 2024 marks the end of a chapter, Modric’s passion for the game and his determination to continue playing suggest that fans have not seen the last of him on the international stage. His leadership and skill remain invaluable, and his legacy in football continues to grow.

As Croatia bids farewell to the tournament, the future of their veteran star remains a topic of interest and inspiration for football fans around the world.