Euro 2020

Modric inflicts more heartbreak on Scotland as Croatia qualify

Scotland's miserable record in major international tournaments continued as they were eliminated from Euro 2020 by Croatia.

 
9:53pm on Tuesday 22nd June 2021
By
Carlo Garganese

Scotland's first appearance at a major international tournament for 23 years ended in more heartbreak as they were eliminated from Euro 2020 on Tuesday.

A 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Hampden Park ensured that Scotland finished bottom of Group D, whilst also meaning that the 2018 World Cup finalists qualify for the knockout stage.

Both Scotland and Croatia came into this game knowing that a victory for either side would take them through, while anything less would result in elimination.

Nikola Vlasic opened the scoring after just 17 minutes with a low shot into the corner past David Marshall following Ivan Perisic's knockdown.

But Scotland got back on level terms just minutes before half time as Callum McGregor hit a piledriver from just outside the area into the bottom corner.

This gave Scotland hope they could go on to claim a famous victory but their dreams were dashed by a stunning strike from Croatia hero Luka Modric.

Modric unleashed a delightful shot with the outside of his boot into the top corner of the net from 20 yards. It was the latest moment of genius in the 35-year-old's legendary career.

And Modric was involved again 12 minutes from time as Croatia put the game to bed with a third goal. The Real Madrid star's corner was glanced home from Perisic to complete a 3-1 scoreline.

In the other match in the group, England defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 at Wembley.

Raheem Sterling got the home side off to a bang, heading home early on from a delightful chipped cross from Jack Grealish.

England finish the group in first place and will play the runner-up of Group F in the second round, while Croatia come second and will meet the runner-up of Group E.

Czech Republic are guaranteed a spot in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

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