The match reached its 76th minute when Croatia, staring down the tunnel of defeat, clawed back into contention. Kramaric’s timely intervention rekindled the team’s hopes, but it was a chaotic chain of events that turned the scoreline. Budimir’s pull-back found Sucic in a prime spot. Sucic’s attempt seemed destined for the net, only to be thwarted by Djimsiti’s desperate block. But fate had other plans. The ball ricocheted off the rushing Klaus Gjasula and, in a cruel twist, found its way into Albania’s own net. Gjasula thus etched an unwanted chapter in the Euro’s history books, becoming the first substitute to score an own goal – a record no player aspires to hold. Yet, tournaments like these offer swift redemptions for those willing to seize them.
As time ebbed away, Albania, undeterred by the setback, regrouped in search of an equalizer. Their resilience bore fruit deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, a well-worked play down the left saw Hoxha hold possession, drawing Croatian defenders before threading a pass to Mitaj. Mitaj’s precise cut-back found Gjasula, who this time swept the ball into the correct net, dramatically making amends.
The Euros thrive on such stories, and following the electrifying clash between Turkey and Georgia in Dortmund, Hamburg witnessed yet another classic. Albania’s impressive recent form was evident from the outset. Unlike their encounter with Italy, where they had surrendered momentum, today they dominated Croatia, controlling the midfield and unsettling Croatia’s defensive structure.
In the first half, Croatia’s famed midfield found itself chasing shadows. Albania’s fluid three-man attack thrived in the spaces between the lines, exploiting a disjointed Croatian defence. A surprise decision saw Ivan Perisic deployed at left-back, which backfired as he failed to close down Jasir Asani in time. Asani delivered a beautifully weighted cross that found Qazim Laci, whose header eluded Dominik Livakovic and bounced agonizingly into the net – a lapse in judgment from a goalkeeper of his calibre.
Albania might have doubled their lead before the break. A turnover by the usually dependable Luka Modric left Albania in control. Kristjan Asllani seized the loose ball and sent in a quick pass to Rey Manaj, who couldn’t quite generate the power to beat Livakovic on this occasion.
Statistically, Croatia held more possession, but the numbers could have revealed the true nature of the game. Despite their control on paper, Croatia could not break the Albanian lines or impose any real pressure. Adjustments in midfield and substitutions by the Croatian coach in the second half brought some improvement, but it wasn’t enough to subdue an Albanian team brimming with confidence. In the end, Albania left the pitch feeling they deserved more than just a shared point.
Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
