The group stage matches of Euro 2024 in Groups C and D have all concluded, and the rankings for each team are now settled.
For fans of Luka Modric and Croatia, particularly of interest were the two Group C matches that concluded early this morning, especially the game between Slovenia and England.
The result of this match would directly determine Croatia's fate in advancing to the next round.
Croatia's performance in this Euro has been relatively poor, with two draws and one loss in the group stage, accumulating only two points.
Nevertheless, they still have a chance to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams across all groups.
However, before the matches between England and Slovenia, three other third-placed teams had already secured higher rankings than Slovenia.
These three teams came from Groups D, E, and A. Therefore, if the third-placed team in Group C also ranks higher than Croatia, then Croatia will be unable to continue in the tournament, ending their journey in Euro 2024 prematurely.
As expected, Slovenia drew 0-0 against England in their match, while Denmark also drew 0-0 against Serbia in another match.
Both teams accumulated three points with three draws and zero goal difference.
Slovenia ranked second in the group due to more goals scored, while Denmark settled for third place.
However, for Croatia, who had already been eliminated, these details no longer mattered.
Albania, who was in the same group as Croatia, had already been eliminated due to finishing bottom of the group the day before.
For fans of Modric, this was undoubtedly a cruel ending.
As possibly Modric's last Euro and even his last international tournament, leaving the national team in this manner is truly regrettable.
However, for many fans who value fairness and the spirit of sportsmanship, Croatia and Albania's early exit is undoubtedly a relief, making Euro 2024 a purer competition.
During the group stage, both teams were involved in regrettable incidents.
They not only exchanged insults with Serbia and North Macedonia fans but also used football matches to express their political stances, which clearly violated the fundamental principle that sports should be kept separate from politics.
In particular, Albania's player Daku insulted Serbian and North Macedonian fans on camera after the match, resulting in punishment from his club, a Russian team.
Croatian fans also threw fireworks onto the field, which not only incurred penalties from UEFA but also undermined the fairness and dignity of football.
In the end, both teams received fines and warnings, which also served as an explanation to the Serbian Football Association, ensuring the normal continuation of Euro 2024.
Earlier, there were media reports that if UEFA ignored these incidents, Serbia might even consider withdrawing from the competition to defend national honor.
However, now that both teams are heading home early after the group stage, their fans no longer need to stay in Germany and can return home early.
For Euro 2024, this is undoubtedly a positive outcome.
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