Croatia star Luka Modric breaks European Championship record eyed up by Cristiano Ronaldo

Luka Modric created European Championship history by becoming the oldest scorer in the tournament in Croatia's 1-1 draw with Italy.

At the age of 38 years and 289 days, the Croatia captain has continued to produce moments of magic.

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Croatia went into their Group B clash with Italy knowing a win would see them advance into the last 16.

But a dramatic equaliser from Mattia Zaccagni in the eighth minute of stoppage time has left Croatia on the brink of exiting Euro 2024 at the group stage.

Croatia were given the perfect chance to break the deadlock after being awarded a penalty - with Modric's effort brilliantly saved by Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But just 33 seconds later, he fired the ball home in the 55th minute from close range after reacting quickest to Donnarumma's expert reaction stop to deny Ante Budimir.

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In doing so, Modric has become the oldest scorer in the Euros - eclipsing Austria's Ivica Vastic - who was 38 years and 257 days old when he scored at Euro 2008.

Modric, who named as the man of the match against Italy, has also pipped ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the breaking the record first at Euro 2024.

But with Ronaldo still having a game left in the group stage - and with Portugal into the last 16 - he would break the record at the age of 39 should he get on the score sheet in Germany.

Though his compatriot Pepe could also break the record if he finds the back of the net with the veteran defender now 41.

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For Modric, Euro 2024 will likely be his final major tournament with the midfielder in the twilight of his career.

Once he finally hangs up his boots, he will likely go down as the greatest Croatian player in their history.

With 178 caps, no player has featured more for the Checkered Ones having made his international debut in March 2006.

And with 26 international goals, he is sixth on the list of Croatia's all-time top scorers.

Croatia would have secured second spot had they have hung onto their win, but their draw has seen Italy finish second behind Spain.

They had also thrown away the win when Albania rescued a point in the final stages of the second match of Group B.

Croatia now have to rely on England beating Slovenia by three goals to give them a chance of advancing into the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams with two points.

And they also require Denmark to beat Serbia, Portugal to win against Georgia and Turkey to emerge victorious against Czech Republic in Group F.

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