Croatia has officially been eliminated from Euro 2024.

The results of the matches held in the afternoon of June 25 (UK time), Croatia has officially been eliminated from Euro 2024.

The Croatia has officially ended their journey in this year’s Euro as they failed to be among the four best third-placed teams.

Early yesterday morning (June 25), Croatia had to settle for a disappointing draw against Italy when their conceded goal came in the very last minute of the match. Had they secured 3 points, Croatia would have finished second in Group B and secured a spot in the playoffs. However, the unfavorable result left Luka Modric and his teammates in third place with only 2 points from the group stage.

Croatia’s advancement depended on the outcomes of the remaining group matches. They couldn’t compete with the points of the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Hungary, hoping Slovenia would suffer a heavy defeat against England, which would allow the 2018 World Cup runners-up to surpass Slovenia based on goal difference.

However, not only did Slovenia avoid a heavy defeat, but they also secured 1 point against the “Three Lions” after a goalless draw. Slovenia finished third in Group C with 3 points from three draws, guaranteeing a spot in the playoffs, indirectly causing Croatia to pack their bags early even though the group stage has not concluded yet.

Croatia did not deliver the performance expected in this year’s Euro. In the opening match, despite creating several good chances, coach Zlatko Dalic’s squad couldn’t break through Spain’s defense and accepted a 0-3 defeat. In the next match against Albania – the easiest opponent in Group B, Croatia only managed a draw and lost the right to decide their fate in the race for a playoff spot.

This is the first time in 20 years that Croatia has failed to advance past the group stage of a Euro tournament. At Euro 2004, Croatia was placed in a very tough group with England, France, and Switzerland, and they finished the group stage in third place overall.