“This man’s been through it” – Luka Modric has a pale face while receiving MOTM award after Croatia got knocked out by Italy in Euros, fans react
Luka Modric was heartbroken as he came up to receive the POTM award after a late draw virtually 'ended' Croatia's hopes of making it past the group stage.
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Luka Modric gave it his all against Italy and still had to settle for a draw (Via IMAGO)
Luka Modric gave his heart and soul on the pitch for Croatia as they were frustrating held to a draw against Italy. The 38-year-old was easily the best player on the pitch as defending champions Italy were given a serious run for their money. The Real Madrid man was awarded the Player of the Match award despite Croatia being potentially knocked out of the competition.
51 minutes had passed when Croatian players swarmed the match official demanding a penalty for handball committed inside the area. The penalty that was awarded following the VAR check was to be taken by none other than Modric. However, defying all expectations, the midfielder’s penalty was saved owing to a valiant effort by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
However, Modric himself made up for his mistake as the veteran scored from a rebound from close range just minutes later. His relief and jubilation made it clear just how much a win will mean to him.
However, Modric’s POTM award was nothing but a consolation as Mattia Zaccagni scored a 90’+8 goal to break Croatian hearts.
Fans react to pale-faced Luka Modric accepting the POTM award
It was heartbreak for Croatia as Italy grabbed a late equalizer in a nervy encounter in Group B. The 2018 World Cup finalists were at their very best for 90 minutes up until Mattia Zaccagni equalized with a stunning finish.
Luka Modric‘s half-hearted acceptance of the POTM award sparked discussions on social media. A fan commented that Modric and his men deserved better after their valiant display against the defending champions.
Another added that he had definitely been through it after a rollercoaster of a game came to a close. Many claimed that his status as a player makes it impossible for rival fans to hate or criticize the veteran. However, a few said that Modric indeed got lucky to score after missing a crucial penalty kick in the second half.
As the games in Group B come to a close, Croatia find themselves in third with just two points and a -3 goal difference. In the unlikely event that they are to qualify for the knockouts, their hopes will ride on England who take on Slovenia on the 26th. After a series of poor results, Croatia need The Three Lions to defeat their opponents by three goals or more to stand a chance to make it to the Round of 16.
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Sherwin Shaju
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