Albania Dent Croatia's Euro 2024 Hopes with Dramatic Draw

Klaus Gjasula scored a last-minute equalizer in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Hamburg.

Albania left Croatia on the brink of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday. Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equalizer.

Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opener, Croatia found themselves behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg. Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions, and Andrej Kramaric leveled the score with 16 minutes remaining. However, Gjasula then accidentally put the ball through his own net.

The Albanian midfielder redeemed himself by slotting the ball into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to secure a point for his team. Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against holders Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout phase for a fifth consecutive major tournament.

Albania has earned plaudits for their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia. However, they could not hold a lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive.

Croatia's 'golden generation' paid for a poor first-half display and are in danger of exiting major tournament football in a disappointing fashion.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted against a change in formation from the Spain defeat, sticking with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic. He brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol into central defense.

Albania Start Fast Again

The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as supporters of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament so far. Albania, who scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy, made another quick start.

It took only until the 11th minute for Sylvinho's men to break the deadlock this time. Sparta Prague midfielder Qazim Laci ghosted into the area unmarked to nod home an inch-perfect, inswinging cross from Jasir Asani.

Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their faces and continued to look the more dangerous side. Right-back Elseid Hysaj fired off target, adding to the pressure.

The underdogs could have doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani was denied by Dominik Livakovic when face-to-face with the Croatian goalkeeper.

Albania striker Rey Manaj missed another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough purchase on his free header in first-half added time to seriously trouble Livakovic.

In response, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic made two changes at the interval, bringing on 21-year-old Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Marcelo Brozovic. These substitutions brought about a quick improvement from Croatia. Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a good save to keep out Sucic's left-footed shot, before Pasalic headed over seconds later. Albania continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Nedim Bajrami drilling wide of the near post in the 67th minute.

Croatia finally found a way through in the 74th minute. Substitute Ante Budimir picked out Andrej Kramaric inside the box, and the forward cut inside before sending a composed finish inside Strakosha's near post. The turnaround seemed complete two minutes later as Sucic's close-range effort was blocked, only to deflect off the unfortunate Klaus Gjasula and into an empty net.

Albania did not give up, missing a series of chances as it appeared Croatia would cling on. Gjasula had other ideas, sweeping a loose ball home before a chaotic denouement that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of a winner, to no avail.