In a thrilling encounter, Albania left Croatia teetering on the brink of elimination from Euro 2024 after a 2-2 draw. The match featured an own goal by Albania’s Klaus Gjasula and a dramatic injury-time equalizer.
Having suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Spain in their opening game, Croatia found themselves trailing once more when Qazim Laci scored early for Albania in Hamburg.
However, Croatia rallied after halftime, making two crucial substitutions. Andrej Kramaric leveled the score with 16 minutes remaining, only for Gjasula to inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
In a last-minute twist, Gjasula redeemed himself by slotting home a late equalizer, securing a vital point for Albania.
Croatia, semifinalists in the 2022 World Cup, now face a must-win situation in their final Group B match against reigning champions Italy on June 24 to advance to the knockout phase.
Albania has impressed with spirited performances against both Italy (a 2-1 defeat) and Croatia, but their inability to hold onto leads leaves their last-16 hopes hanging in the balance.
Despite Croatia’s “golden generation,” a lackluster first-half display puts them at risk of an unceremonious exit from major tournament football.
Coach Zlatko Dalic stuck with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic, but introduced Ivan Perisic at left-back, shifting Josko Gvardiol to central defense.
The match began with an electric atmosphere, flares filling the air outside the stadium. Albania, known for their lightning-fast starts, scored the quickest goal in European Championship history—just 23 seconds into their clash with Italy.
Against Croatia, it took only 11 minutes for Sylvinho’s men to break the deadlock, with Qazim Laci heading home an inch-perfect cross from Jasir Asani.
Despite Croatia’s attempts to assert their passing game, Albania remained relentless, with right-back Elseid Hysaj posing a constant threat. The underdogs missed opportunities to double their lead, including Kristjan Asllani’s face-to-face chance denied by Dominik Livakovic.
Dalic’s halftime changes injected life into Croatia, but Albania’s goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha, thwarted Luka Sucic’s shot. Ante Budimir set up Kramaric for Croatia’s equalizer, and a subsequent own goal by Gjasula swung the momentum.
Albania refused to surrender, and Gjasula’s late strike salvaged a point. The chaotic finale saw both teams desperately seeking a winner, but the score remained level.
