Croatia’s EURO 2020 journey began with uncertainty, their performances against England and the Czech Republic lacking the sharpness expected from a team of their pedigree. Yet, when it mattered most, under the lights of Hampden Park, Luka Modrić and his team delivered a masterclass, extinguishing Scotland’s hopes in a thrilling do-or-die clash. For the eleventh time in a major tournament, including the Euros and FIFA World Cup, Scotland’s dreams ended in heartbreak, while Croatia surged forward with renewed vigour.
A Clash of Stakes and
Styles
Heading into the match, Croatia’s form was far from
inspiring—just four wins in their last 15 matches. Compounding their challenges
was a daunting statistic: Scotland had never lost to Croatia. Meanwhile, buoyed
by their spirited performances against the Czech Republic and England, Scotland
carried the momentum of a team hungry to rewrite history.
The opening moments reflected Scotland’s intent. Two corners
within 40 seconds and a near-miss from Che Adams in the sixth minute suggested
a team ready to break the jinx. The Hampden Park faithful roared with
anticipation, their team’s energy palpable.
But Croatia, despite their shaky start to the tournament,
are not a side easily rattled. In the seventh minute, they silenced the
Scottish crowd. Ivan Perišić, a perennial big-game player, rose high to nod a
cross back into the path of Nikola Vlašić. Under pressure from Scott McTominay,
Callum McGregor, and Grant Hanley, Vlašić controlled the ball with poise and
lashed a low shot past David Marshall. The tide had turned, and Croatia began
to assert themselves.
Scotland’s Resilience
Scotland, however, were not about to fold. They pushed
forward with determination, creating a flurry of chances. John McGinn’s cross
to the back post narrowly evaded both Lyndon Dykes and Adams, while McGinn’s
header moments later was easily saved. Their efforts brimmed with passion but
lacked precision in the final third.
Five minutes before halftime, Scotland found their moment of
glory. A snappy move down the right, orchestrated by Stuart Armstrong and
Stephen O’Donnell, led to a clearance by Dejan Lovren. The ball fell to
McGregor, who took a touch and unleashed a rasping low drive from 18 yards. The
net rippled, and Hampden Park erupted as Scotland scored their first goal of
the tournament. The equalizer ignited hope, and the Scots headed into the break
brimming with belief.
The Modrić
Masterclass
But hope is a fragile thing, and Luka Modrić was there to
shatter it. The 35-year-old maestro, defying the passage of time, delivered a
performance that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s finest. From his
early days dazzling for Dinamo Zagreb to his illustrious career at Real Madrid,
Modrić has always been a player for the big occasion. At Hampden Park, he
reminded the world why he remains among football’s elite.
In the 62nd minute, Modrić produced a moment of magic. A
flowing Croatian build-up saw the ball worked wide to Joško Gvardiol on the
left. Gvardiol’s cross found Bruno Petković, who deftly laid it back to Modrić.
With the outside of his right foot, Modrić curled a sumptuous shot into the top
corner, leaving Marshall rooted to the spot. It was a goal of breathtaking
audacity and precision—a testament to the genius of Croatia’s captain.
Fifteen minutes later, Modrić delivered again, this time
from a corner. His perfectly flighted out-swinger to the near post was met by
Perišić, who glanced a header into the far corner. The Scottish resistance was
broken, and their hopes were extinguished.
The End of a Dream
As the final whistle blew, Croatia celebrated their 3-1
victory, their passage to the knockout stages secured. For Scotland, the night
ended in familiar heartbreak, their dreams dashed once more on the grand
stage.
Legacy of a Leader
The night belonged to Luka Modrić, whose brilliance turned
the tide for Croatia. "I can’t think of the words to describe it,"
said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić of his captain. Modrić’s performance was a
reminder of his enduring class, a beacon of hope for Croatia as they look to
make their mark in the tournament.
For Scotland, there is pride in their fight and the moments of joy they brought to their fans. But at Hampden Park, it was Croatia’s experience, composure, and the genius of Modrić that reigned supreme.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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