In an exciting Euro 2024 Group B match, Albania and Croatia played to a 2-2 draw. The game started with an early goal from Albania’s Qazim Laçi, setting the tone for a dynamic contest. Croatia responded swiftly, scoring twice in three minutes through Andrej Kramarić and an unfortunate own goal by Klaus Gjasula. Despite this setback, Gjasula redeemed himself with a late strike, ensuring Albania took a valuable point from the encounter.
Report
In a pulsating Group B encounter, Klaus Gjasula’s late equaliser earned Albania a well-deserved 2-2 draw with Croatia.
Following their record-setting fastest goal against Italy in the opening game, Albania struck early again. In the 11th minute, Kirstjan Asllani delivered a superb cross from the right, which Qazim Laçi nodded home. Despite dominating the first half and missing several golden opportunities, Albania couldn’t extend their lead, while Croatia failed to register a shot on target.
Croatia came back strong in the second half, scoring two quick goals to take the lead. On his 33rd birthday, Andrej Kramarić calmly slotted home in the 74th minute. Just two minutes later, his shot deflected off Klaus Gjasula into the net, putting Croatia ahead 2-1.
It seemed Albania would face another 2-1 defeat, but they persisted. After two significant chances in added time, Mario Mitaj sent in a precise ball, allowing Gjasula to sweep home the equaliser and redeem himself.
Both Croatia and Albania earned their first points of Euro 2024, remaining two points behind Spain and Italy, who face each other on Thursday at 8pm.
Player of the Match – Thomas Strakosha (Albania)
Thomas Strakosha, the Brentford goalkeeper, was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Making eight crucial saves, Strakosha played a pivotal role in ensuring Albania deservedly secured a point in this rollercoaster game against Croatia. His consistent and vital interventions kept Albania in the match, highlighting his importance to the team’s effort.
Key Stats
- This was the first international match between Croatia and Albania.
- Croatia have never lost their second match in a EURO tournament (W3 D5).
- Albania have won only one of their last five EURO matches (L3 D1).
- Croatia have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 EURO fixtures.
- Only one of Croatia’s previous 23 EURO matches has ended without a goal being scored, a 0-0 draw against Switzerland in their opening game at EURO 2004.
- Albania have scored the first goal in their last three EURO matches.
- Andrej Kramarić scored his first EURO goal for Croatia on his 33rd birthday.
- Albania are the 15th different team that Croatia have faced in a EURO tournament.
- Luka Modrić has now appeared in five EURO final tournaments for Croatia, with a total of 15 appearances, more than any other Croatian player.
- By making his 117th appearance, Modrić has moved past Gianluigi Buffon into outright third place in terms of most-capped UEFA players, behind only Spain’s Sergio Ramos (180) and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (208).
Reaction
Jasir Asani, Albania forward: “We had a very good game, especially in the first half, and if we had a little bit of luck, we had chances to win this match. Croatia are a very good team. We have to enjoy this because we played against one of the best teams in the tournament.”
Andrej Kramarić, Croatia forward: “I didn’t imagine we would be celebrating my birthday in such a disappointing way. It would have been much nicer if we had taken all three points and it was like that until the last seconds. That’s football. Sometimes you score in the last second, sometimes you concede.”
Qazim Laçi, Albania midfielder:”We were a little bit unlucky, we didn’t give up during the whole match. We worked a lot and tried our best. We should have killed the game in the first half, because we had two good chances, but that is football.”
Sylvinho, Albania coach: “First of all you have to respect the other side, because Croatia have been doing really well during the last few years. They have unbelievable players. The whole game is difficult to analyse. In the first half we did really well, but we had difficulties in the second half for 15 to 20 minutes. But at the end of the game, we deserved the draw.”