In a thrilling encounter at the UEFA EURO 2024, Croatia vs Albania ended in a 2-2 draw, with Klaus Gjasula scoring a dramatic late equalizer to redeem himself after an earlier own goal. The match, held on June 19, 2024, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense action and dramatic moments, as both teams battled for their first points in Group B.
Match Overview
The Croatia vs Albania match started with high stakes, as both teams had lost their opening group stage matches and were in desperate need of a positive result. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant and energetic environment.
Match Statistics | Croatia vs Albania
- Croatia:
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Shots on Target: 8
- Ball Possession: 60%
- Goals Conceded: 2
- Albania:
- Yellow Cards: 3
- Shots on Target: 7
- Ball Possession: 40%
- Goals Conceded: 2
First Half
The opening minutes saw both teams trying to settle into the game, but it was Albania who struck first. In the 11th minute, Qazim Laçi broke the deadlock by glancing in a superb delivery from Jasir Asani, giving Albania an early lead. The goal spurred Albania to push forward, with Nedim Bajrami coming close to doubling the lead, but his effort was blocked.
Croatia, momentarily shaken, began to find their rhythm and created their first real chance through Marcelo Brozović, whose shot went wide. However, Albania continued to press, and Croatia’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, had to make a crucial save in the 31st minute to deny Kristjan Asllani. Despite Croatia’s attempts to regroup, Albania nearly scored again just before half-time, but Livaković saved Rey Manaj’s close-range header to keep the score at 1-0.
Second Half
Croatia made significant changes at the break, introducing Mario Pašalić and Luka Sučić, which immediately injected new energy into the team. In the 50th minute, Albanian goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made an excellent save to stop Sučić’s powerful shot. Pašalić also had a chance but fired over the bar.
As the second half progressed, Croatia’s pressure intensified, and they began to dominate possession. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Andrej Kramarić found the bottom corner to equalize, scoring his first EURO goal on his 33rd birthday. Just two minutes later, Croatia took the lead in dramatic fashion when Klaus Gjasula, under pressure in a goalmouth scramble, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
Dramatic Finale
Despite Croatia’s commanding performance in the second half, Albania never gave up. In the dying moments of the match, Klaus Gjasula redeemed himself by firing in a low shot to equalize in the 95th minute, securing a vital point for Albania. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams earning their first points of the tournament.
Key Moments
- 11′: Qazim Laçi glances in the opening goal for Albania.
- 15′: Nedim Bajrami’s effort is blocked.
- 31′: Dominik Livaković denies Kristjan Asllani.
- 45+1′: Livaković saves Rey Manaj’s header.
- 50′: Thomas Strakosha stops Luka Sučić’s strike.
- 74′: Andrej Kramarić scores the equalizer for Croatia.
- 76′: Klaus Gjasula scores an own goal, giving Croatia the lead.
- 90+5′: Gjasula redeems himself with a late equalizer.
Match Analysis | Croatia vs Albania
Croatia’s Performance
Croatia started the match tentatively but grew into the game as it progressed. The introduction of Mario Pašalić and Luka Sučić at halftime significantly improved their attacking threat. Andrej Kramarić was a standout performer, scoring a crucial equalizer and constantly posing a threat to the Albanian defense.
Croatia’s defense, however, was vulnerable, especially in the first half. They allowed Albania too much space and were often caught off guard by quick counter-attacks. Despite taking the lead in the second half, Croatia’s inability to maintain their defensive solidity in the final moments cost them two points.
Albania’s Performance
Albania, under coach Sylvinho, showed great resilience and tactical discipline. They took their chances well and defended tenaciously, especially in the first half. Qazim Laçi’s early goal was a testament to their quick transition play, and they continued to threaten Croatia’s defense throughout the game.
The team’s ability to equalize in the last moments of the match highlighted their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude. Klaus Gjasula’s rollercoaster performance, from scoring an own goal to netting the equalizer, embodied the dramatic nature of the match.
Statistical Highlights
- This was the first international match between Croatia and Albania.
- Croatia has never lost their second match in a EURO tournament (W3 D5).
- Albania has won only one of their last five EURO matches (L3 D1).
- Croatia has 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.
- Albania has scored the first goal in their last three EURO matches.
- Andrej Kramarić scored his first EURO goal on his 33rd birthday.
- Albania is the 15th different team that Croatia has faced in a EURO.
- Luka Modrić has now appeared in five EURO final tournaments, more than any other Croatian player.
Player of the Match
Andrej Kramarić (Croatia)
Kramarić was pivotal for Croatia, consistently finding space and creating opportunities. His goal was crucial in shifting the momentum in Croatia’s favor, and his overall play in the middle of the park made a significant difference. His ability to make decisive plays under pressure earned him the Vivo Player of the Match award.
Line-ups | Croatia vs Albania
Croatia
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Livaković
- Defenders: Josip Juranović, Josip Šutalo, Joško Gvardiol, Ivan Perišić (Borna Sosa 84′)
- Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović (Mario Pašalić 46′), Mateo Kovačić
- Forwards: Lovro Majer (Luka Sučić 46′), Bruno Petković (Ante Budimir 69′), Andrej Kramarić (Martin Baturina 84′)
Albania
- Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha
- Defenders: Elseid Hysaj, Berat Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Adrian Leonhardi Mitaj
- Midfielders: Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani (Dimitri Hoxha 85′), Qazim Laçi (Klaus Gjasula 72′)
- Forwards: Jasir Asani (Taulant Seferi 64′), Rey Manaj (Armand Daku 85′), Nedim Bajrami
Conclusion | Croatia vs Albania
The Croatia vs Albania match was a testament to the unpredictable and exciting nature of football. Both teams showed great determination and skill, resulting in a captivating 2-2 draw. Croatia’s second-half resurgence and Albania’s late equalizer provided fans with a thrilling spectacle that will be remembered for a long time. As both teams move forward in the tournament, they will look to build on this performance and aim for success in their remaining group stage matches.
