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I found myself at a beach bar in front of a giant TV screen and surrounded by hundreds of fans of every age group adorned in red-and-white checkered soccer jerseys. The music was blaring from the speakers as if the fans needed any motivation before kick-off to get into the mood. The conversations around me seemed to have taken one of two forms: “We haven’t played well so far in the tournament, and I don’t expect much better today” as well as “You know, we played Italy 8 times in our history and NEVER lost. We got this!” I called it ‘hopeful pessimism.’
Disappointment in Germany 2024
Croatia’s journey at Euro 2024 (likely) ended in heartbreak. While still theoretically not eliminated from the tournament as I write this, too many factors need to come together to see Croatia’s journey at Euro 2024 not coming to an end in the next 48 hours. Two injury-time goals in successive matches proved to be the difference between success and failure for the ‘Vatreni.’ Against Albania, Croatia conceded a devastating equalizer deep into stoppage time, effectively taking qualification out of their hands. Just days later, history repeated itself in a cruel fashion against Italy. After taking the lead through captain Luka Modrić’s goal, Croatia looked poised to secure the win they needed. But in the 98th minute, Mattia Zaccagni scored for Italy, snatching a 1-1 draw and leaving Croatia’s hopes hanging by a thread.
While the manner of elimination was brutal, it masked deeper issues with Croatia’s performances. The team struggled to impose themselves for long stretches and lacked their usual fluency. An aging squad showed signs of fatigue, unable to maintain their trademark intensity for over 90 minutes. Though they fought valiantly, this golden generation appeared to have finally run out of steam on the big stage.
Second golden generation of Croatia repeatedly falls short of glory
Croatia’s current crop of stars has long been…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/euro-2024-struggles-signal-end-of-croatia-golden-generation/
Author : Ed Perovic
Publish date : 2024-06-25 15:53:34
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