FANS claimed Luka Modric “looks like he’s been crying” after the “heartbroken” Croatia star posed with his Man of the Match trophy.
The legendary midfielder put in a brilliant display but it was not enough as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in their final Euros group game.
Modric gave his side a 55th minute lead just moments after missing a penalty.
And victory looked set to put Croatia into the last 16 while leaving Italy’s Euro hopes in the balance as a third-placed finisher.
However, disaster struck in the 98th minute as Italy sub Mattia Zaccagni banged in an equaliser with the last kick of the game.
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The score saw the table swing around, with Italy going through in second and Croatia relegated to third.
The Balkan country is now relying on other third-place teams to slip up if they want to make the next stage.
But with Croatia collecting just two points from three games, progression looks unlikely.
It could mean fans have witnessed Modric’s fifth and final Euros campaign as he approaches his 39th birthday.
And the Real Madrid icon appeared bleary-eyed as he collected his Man of the Match award at full-time.
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Fans certainly felt he had been in tears moments before.
One said: “He looks like he’s been crying, sorry Modric.”
Another declared: “So sad it had to end like that for him.”
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One noted: “The pain on his face. Back to back last minute heartbreaks.”
Another added: “Didn’t deserve the outcome, painful.”
For Croatia to progress on two points. a series of results have to occur in other games.
For starters, England must be Slovenia by at least three goals, while Turkey must either beat the Czech Republic or have a goalless draw.
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The same must be said of Portugal’s clash with Georgia.
And Modric admits Croatia will keep the faith until the bitter end.
He said: “We kept battling right until the end but unfortunately football was merciless with us tonight.
“It was cruel but that’s part and parcel of football. It’s hard when you lose like this to describe how you feel.
“Perhaps it’s unfair because we all really fought for Croatia right from the first whistle until the last.
“We should be proud of the way we represented our country tonight.
“I’d like to keep playing forever but there will probably be a time I’ll have to hang up my boots. I’ll keep playing on, I don’t know for how much longer.”
