Klaus Gjasula’s late equaliser secured a deserved point for Albania as they drew 2-2 with Croatia in a pulsating Group B encounter.
After scoring the fastest goal at a European Championships against Italy in their opening game, Albania followed it up with another early strike. Kirstjan Asllani sent in a wonderful ball from the right, which Qazim Laci (11) nodded home.
They continued to impress in the first half – missing a string of glorious opportunities – while Croatia failed to register a shot on target.
But Croatia scored two quick-fire goals in an improved second half to see themselves ahead. Andrej Kramaric calmly slotted home (74) on his 33rd birthday, before his shot ricocheted off Albania’s Klaus Gjasula and into the back of the net two minutes later.
It looked like Albania would once again fall to a 2-1 defeat. But after two huge chances in added time, they finally scored a deserved equalised as Gjasula redeemed himself. Mario Mitaj sent in a fine ball for the midfielder to sweep home.
Croatia and Albania both register their first points of Euro 2024, and remain two points behind Spain and Italy, who play each other on Thursday at 8pm.
