Albania put Croatia in danger of being knocked out of the group stage at Euro 2024 after holding off a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday. That’s because Albania’s Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equalizer. After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opening game, Croatia fell behind again in Hamburg when Qazim Laci gave Albania the opener. But Croatia improved after making two substitutes in the first half, with Andrej Kramaric equalizing with 16 minutes left and Gjasula netting a goal of his own.
But the Albanian midfielder was the ultimate hero as he slotted into the bottom corner five minutes into injury time to snatch a goal for his team.
Croatia, a 2022 World Cup semi-finalist, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against hosts Italy on June 24 to advance to a fifth successive major tournament. “We will believe until the end that we will do our best, just like we did in this game,” forward Kramaric said.
“Unfortunately we didn’t win, but I hope we have a little more luck against Italy.”
Albania earned plenty of praise for their 2-1 defeats against Italy and Croatia, but failed to maintain their lead in both games and will need to beat Spain to keep their last 16 hopes alive. “We have to move forward but we have to fight for every point,” Albania coach Silvinho said.
“This is important for our lives, the life of the country and the life of the federation. We must enjoy the moment because we are proud of the players.”
Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ finally paid the price for their poor first-half performance and are on the verge of being helplessly withdrawn from major tournament football.
Instead of changing his formation after the defeat in Spain, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic stuck with the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. However, he brought in Ivan Perisic at left back and moved Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol to central defender.
Albania starts fast again
The outside of the stadium was filled with the smell of smoke from flares, and supporters of both teams created the best atmosphere of the tournament.
Albania got off to another fast start against Italy, scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds.
This time it took Sylvinho’s men just 11 minutes to break the deadlock. Sparta Prague midfielder Laci ghosted into the area unmarked and nodded in Jasir Asani’s perfect in-swinging cross.
Croatia attempted a passing game, but Albania continued to look the more dangerous side, with right-back Elseid Hysaj firing on goal.
The underdogs could have doubled their advantage after 30 minutes, but Christian Aslani’s strike against the Croatian goalkeeper was denied by Dominic Livakovic.
Albanian striker Rey Manaj missed another good opportunity in first-half stoppage time as he failed to score enough from a free header, causing serious problems for Livakovic.
Dalic made two changes in the meantime. 21-year-olds Luka Suchic and Mario Pasalic replaced the incompetent Lovro Majer and Brozovic.
The substitution gave Croatia a quick head start as Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a fine save to block Sucic’s left-footed effort, and seconds later Pasalic attempted a header.
Croatia finally found a breakthrough in the 74th minute. Substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric in the box, cut inside and fired a cool finish inside Strakosha’s near post.
Two minutes later, the reversal seemed complete when Suchic’s close-range shot was blocked, but it rebounded off the unfortunate Zasula and hit an empty net.
Albania did not give up and missed a series of late chances that looked set for Croatia to hold on.
Gjasula had other ideas, sweeping home the loose ball before a chaotic contest in which both sides threw themselves forward in search of a winner, but to no avail.
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