Albania left Croatia at risk of elimination from the Euro 2024 group stage after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday, with Albanian Klaus Gjasula scoring at both ends, including a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game, Croatia fell behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg. But Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions and Andrej Kramaric equalized with 16 minutes remaining before Gjasula scored in his own goal.
However, the Albanian midfielder became the last-gasp hero, finding the bottom corner in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a point for his team.
2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia will likely need to win their final Group B match against champions Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout stages of the fifth consecutive major tournament. “We will believe until the end to do our best like we did in this game”, said forward Kramaric.
“Unfortunately we didn’t win, but we hope to have a little more luck against Italy.”
Albania received much plaudits for their performances against Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but were unable to maintain their lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their round of 16 hopes alive. de-final. “We have to advance, but we have to fight for every point,” said Albania coach Sylvinho.
“It’s important for our lives, for the life of the country, for the federation. I’m proud of the players, so we have to seize the moment.”
Croatia’s “golden generation” ended up paying for a poor first-half performance and is on the verge of being eliminated from major football tournaments.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted not to change formation after the defeat to Spain, keeping his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. But he brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City to central defense.
Albania starts fast again
The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as fans of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament to date.
Albania scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy and made another fast start.
This time, only after 11 minutes did Sylvinho’s men open the scoring, with Sparta Prague midfielder Laci entering the area unmarked and heading in a perfect cross from Jasir Asani.
Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their face and continued to look the more dangerous team, with right-back Elseid Hysaj shooting wide.
The underdogs could have doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani was denied by Dominik Livakovic in a clash with the Croatian goalkeeper.
Albanian striker Rey Manaj wasted another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough power from his free header in first-half stoppage time to seriously trouble Livakovic.
Dalic responded by making two half-time changes, bringing on 21-year-olds Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Brozovic.
Those substitutions brought rapid improvement to Croatia, with Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha making a fine save to deny Sucic’s left-footed shot before Pasalic headed in seconds later.
Croatia finally found their way in the 74th minute when substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric inside the box and he cut inside before finishing calmly at Strakosha’s near post.
The turnaround looked to be complete two minutes later when Sucic’s close-range shot was blocked but ricocheted off the hapless Gjasula and into an empty net.
Albania did not give up, missing a series of late opportunities as it looked like Croatia would hold on.
Gjasula, however, had other ideas, poking home a loose ball before a chaotic finish that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of the winner, to no avail.
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