At the end of a meeting full of twists and turns, a heroic Albania snatched a 2-2 draw against Croatia for the second day of Euro 2024.
Authors of a practically impeccable performance in the first half, the Albanians believed they would leave Hamburg empty-handed this Wednesday. But a late goal from Klaus Gasjula allowed them to earn their first point in Euro 2024, against a Croatia who may harbor regrets.
As against Italy, against whom they took the advantage after just 23 seconds, the Albanians had a good start to the match against Croatia. From the 11th minute, Qazim Laçi deceived Livakovic by deflecting with his head a good cross from Asani into the back of the net (0-1).
Imprecise and overwhelmed for 45 minutes, Luka Modric’s teammates returned from the locker room transfigured. The double change made by Zlatko Dalic, with the entries of Sucic and Pasalic to replace Brozovic and Majer, allowed his men to take control of operations.
However, we had to wait until the 74th minute to see the match change. Andrej Kramaric delivered the Croats by concluding a nicely constructed action (1-1). Only two minutes later, a confused action in the Albanian area ended with an unfortunate own goal from Gjasula, who entered the game shortly before (2-1, 76th).
Stunned by these two goals, the Albanians experienced a final burst of pride at the very end of the match. And after a first alert on a strike from Arber Hoxha deflected by Livakovic, it was Gjasula, scorer against his side twenty minutes earlier, who saved Albania (90th + 5, 2-2) and fixed the score.
This split doesn’t help anyone: both teams have one point and will have to win in their last group match this Monday. The Albanians will face Spain, while the Croats will faceItaly.
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