Luka Modric voices frustration over referee’s decision in Croatia’s Euro 2024 match against Italy
Luka Modric, the captain of Croatia, expressed frustration and disappointment over the referee’s decision to add eight minutes of injury time in their Euro 2024 group stage match against Italy.
Despite leading with a goal from Modric himself in the 55th minute, Croatia was dealt a heartbreaking blow with Italy’s late equalizer by Mattia Zaccagni in the 90+8th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In a post-match interview, a visibly emotional Modric lamented the extended injury time, questioning the rationale behind the referee’s decision.
“It’s very stressful. We fought until the end, but unfortunately, football was ruthless with us tonight; it was cruel,” Modric said during the press conference.
“It’s difficult to find words to describe how we feel when we lose like this.”
Despite being named the man of the match, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner criticized the referee’s judgment, stating, “The football gods don’t always smile upon us, but we can be proud of how we represented our country tonight. I don’t know where the referee found eight minutes of injury time,” Modric concluded, visibly dismayed in front of the press.
