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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling encounter at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig Stadium, Croatia and Italy battled to a 1-1 draw in the Euro Cup 2024. The match was filled with intense moments, dramatic turns, and a flurry of yellow cards, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.

The first half saw both teams showcasing their tactical prowess, but neither side could break the deadlock. Croatia's Luka Modrić, the team's talisman, was heavily involved in orchestrating attacks, while Italy's defense, marshaled by Gianluigi Donnarumma, stood resolute.

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The drama truly began in the second half. In the 54th minute, Croatia was awarded a penalty, and Modrić stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, the usually reliable midfielder missed, his effort saved brilliantly by Donnarumma. The miss was a significant blow for Croatia, but their captain did not let it dampen his spirits.

Just a minute later, in the 55th minute, the breakthrough came. A ball was whipped into the box, and Ante Budimir was there to meet it. His attempt was parried away by Donnarumma, but the rebound fell kindly for Modrić. With a determined strike, Modrić fired the ball into the roof of the net, redeeming himself for the earlier miss and putting Croatia 1-0 up. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Croatian captain celebrated his goal.

The match continued with high intensity, and tempers flared as a series of yellow cards were handed out. Luka Sučić was booked in the 24th minute, followed by Modrić in the 60th minute. Luka Ivanušec, Marin Pongračić, Josip Stanišić, and Marcelo Brozović also found their names in the referee's book, receiving yellow cards in the 73rd, 78th, 82nd, and 90+1 minutes respectively.

Italy, determined not to leave without a point, pressed hard for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 90+8th minute, Riccardo Calafiori, who had been influential throughout the match, made a powerful run through the center of the pitch. Bursting forward from defense, he delivered a precise pass to Mattia Zaccagni inside the Croatian penalty area. Zaccagni struck it first time, and the ball soared into the top corner of the net. It was a heart-wrenching moment for Croatia as Italy celebrated the late equalizer.

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The final minutes of the match saw more disciplinary actions, with Calafiori and Nicolò Fagioli receiving yellow cards in the 90+3 and 90+6 minutes respectively. As the final whistle blew, the scoreline stood at 1-1, reflecting a fiercely contested match where both teams displayed commendable tenacity and skill.

The draw left both sets of fans with mixed emotions. For Croatia, it was a case of what might have been, given Modrić's missed penalty and the late equalizer conceded. For Italy, it was a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. This match will be remembered for its dramatic moments, the flurry of yellow cards, and the indomitable spirit shown by both teams in the Euro Cup 2024.