Germany’s LEIPZIG (AP)— A record, a standing ovation, and man-of-the-match honours.

Despite the praise, Croatian player Luka Modric was not in the mood to rejoice following what might have been his final appearance at a major tournament.

Modric became the oldest goal scorer at a European Championship on Monday when he scored against Italy.

In the end, it wasn’t sufficient to guarantee his team’s participation in the tournament. Italy advanced to the next round after a 1-1 tie thanks to a goal from Mattia Zaccagni in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

To stay at Euro 2024, Croatia needs an unlikely string of other outcomes to fall into place.

38-year-old Modric scored the first goal on a rebound in the 55th minute, just one minute after Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a penalty.

Ivica Vastic set the previous record when he scored for Austria against Poland during the 2008 European Championship at the age of 38 years, 257 days.

When Modric scored in the 80th, the crowd gave him standing ovations, and when he appeared for the news conference following the game, they cheered once more.

Modric was described as one of the most amazing players he had ever seen by an Italian journalist. He said he didn’t have any questions, but instead asked that he never stop playing.