Euro 2024: Thrilling Moment Zaccagni's Stoppage Time Goal Rescue Italy To Qualify To Last 16 Alongside Spain

 

Spain have qualified for the Last 16 of the UEFA Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory against Albania in their last group game. In a separate game, Croatia narrowly missed out on qualifying on the edge of victory from late comeback 1-1 draw against Italy. 

It was a sensational outcome for Italy for making it to the knockout stages with a thrilling stoppage time goal from Mattia Zaccagni that wrecked all the hard work of Croatia, who needed the maximum points to go through to the Last 16. 

Spain took the lead from the first half with Ferran Torres curly shot that beat Strakosha down bottom left of the goal. They held on against the Albanians aggression and sealed the victory. In a separate game, Luka Modric had put Croatia ahead midway of the second half, scoring from a rebound shot from Budimir's attempt saved into his path before the scores was leveled in the added minutes to the game. 

It was unfortunate for Croatia, the Italians turned the tides on a counter on the brink of the stoppages as Zaccagni curled into the top right corner of the goal Riccardo Calafiori's pass from inside the 18-yard box. It was a shocking but uplifting moment for the Italians that were on the edge of heading back home. 

Spain will now progress to the Last 16 to meet the runners-up from Group A while Italy will be hosted in Berlin by Germany, who are the leaders from Group A.