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Struggle for honor and advancement to the next stage of EURO 2020. A decisive battle where the world vice-champions, the Croats, clashed with the Scots trying to rewrite history at their stadium. Victory was essential - a draw did not suit either team. And it was the Croats who won that important victory. After a first half played evenly, in the second half, without a response to two goals scored by the Croats in the Scottish defended goal, they emerged victorious. That was enough to secure second place in the group and a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.
Before the final group D match against Scotland, the captain of the Croatian national team, L. Modric, told the press: "We have to think about the fact that we must defeat Scotland." And Croatia managed to do just that by scoring three goals.
After the match against Scotland, L. Modric, who accurately attacked the opponents' goal after the break, commented: "We were not satisfied with our football shown in the first two group matches and knew we could play better. We are happy that we achieved the first goal - to advance to the next stage. If we play like we did today, we will be a threat to any team in the championship."
"This victory and the qualification to the quarterfinals mean a lot to me. In fact, playing for the Croatian national team feels different than any other match. There are high expectations associated with this team, even considering the changes in our squad since the World Cup."
"This determines the fluctuation of the team's level - we cannot expect to always be at the highest level. But we are moving in that direction, and today's performance is proof of the kind of football we can demonstrate in the next stage."
Asked about his goal scored in the 62nd minute of the match, L. Modric said: "Mateo made a great pass, and when I strike at the goal, I know I will score a goal."
