Euro 2024: Was this Luka Modrić's last dance with Croatia?

This may have been the last time we see Luka Modrić in a major international competition. And for the venerated Real Madrid midfielder who helped his country to back-to-back World Cup semifinals, it ran the full gamut of emotions.

Modrić was presented with a golden opportunity to lift Croatia into a 1-0 lead over Italy in a must-win Group B finale after receiving a penalty opportunity in 54th minute. 

But his shot towards the bottom right corner of the goal was parried away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italy keeper and Euro 2020 hero who continued his stellar Euro 2024.

As Melissa Ortiz put it on "FOX Soccer NOW" postgame show, there's no pain that's worse than blundering an opportunity to put your group ahead in a much-needed game like that.

The "beautiful game," though, often presents beautiful chances to rebound from mistakes. Modrić's came just a minute later, as Croatia regained possession of the ball and played it back into the box for an attempt on goal. Donnarumma stopped that shot too, but Modrić was in prime position for the deflected ball, and rifled a tough shot into the upper left corner of the net.

Modrić's goal caused a seismic eruption in Leipzig Stadium among the Croatian faithful, who lavished him with immense praise when he was subbed off the pitch in the 80th. But in the final minute of stoppage time, it was Italy who clamored in celebration following the first international goal of Mattia Zaccagni's career.

The 1-1 final marked potentially the last international appearance for the legendary 38-year-old, who became the oldest player (38 years, 289 days) to score a goal in Euro history. 

Croatia would have moved into second place in Group B and automatic qualification in the knockout stage with a win,