Luka Modric looked distraught as he posed for a photo, Player of the Match award in hand, minutes after Croatia’s last-gasp concession all-but ended their Euro 2024 hopes.
The 38-year-old had an eventful evening Leipzig in a game his country needed to win to guarantee progression to the knockout stages of the competition.
Modric was afforded the chance to put Croatia in front after they were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after a handball from Davide Frattesi, and the veteran stepped up to put his side ahead.
But his spot-kick was weak and easily turned away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, leaving Modric devastated. He could hardly have made amends any quicker, though.
Croatia regained possession and mounted another attack, with Donnarumma pulling off another fine save to deny Ante Budimir. However, his parry fell at the feet of Modric, who made no mistake this time around.
Luka Modric awarded the Player of the Match award following Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Italy
Fans were quick to comment on the image of the 38-year-old clutching his prize immediately after his country were essentially eliminated from the tournament
Modric had given Croatia the lead only 32 seconds after seeing his penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma
But unfortunately for the Real Madrid star, Mattia Zaccagni’s 98th-minute equaliser leaves Croatia on the brink of elimination.
Nevertheless, his display was enough to see him claim the Player of the Match award, which he dutiful posed for, even if he looked as if he’d rather be anywhere else in the world.
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‘Luka Modric just received the unhappiest MOTM Award ever,’ wrote one fan on X. Another said: ‘Why’d they even take this picture.’
‘Modric won the MOTM award. As you can see, he’s not very pleased.’ Wrote a third.
Modric’s goal earned him a place in Euros history, as he became the oldest goalscorer ever in the tournament.
He is due to turn 39 in September, and Euro 2024 is expected to be his final major tournament.
The midfielder will have been hoping to go out with a bang, having finished second and third, respectively, at the last two World Cups.
But Croatia made a poor start to the tournament, losing 3-0 to Spain before being held to a 2-2 draw by Albania.
Mattia Zaccagni (pictured) scored a dramatic late equaliser to leave Croatia on the brink of elimination
They must now rely on other results going their way over the next two days, but this could be the end for Modric on the international stage.
He was taken off with just over 10 minutes remaining, and could only watch on in despair as his team-mates failed to hang on for all three points.
