Euro24: Albania snatch last minute equaliser to hold Croatia 2-2 in a thriller


 Albania pulled off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Croatia in an exhilarating European Championship match on Wednesday, with a stoppage-time equalizer at the Volksparkstadion.


Klaus Gjasula was both hero and villain, scoring the crucial equalizer in added time after an earlier own goal had given Croatia a 2-1 lead in their Group B clash.


Albania initially took the lead, but Croatia turned the game around with two quick goals, creating an exciting and tense atmosphere. Andrej Kramaric equalized in the 74th minute, followed shortly by Gjasula's own goal, as Croatia, who were seeking redemption after a 3-0 loss to Spain in their opening game, fought back.


In the second half, Croatia relentlessly attacked Albania's goal, having been anxious and frustrated at halftime as Albania held an unexpected lead.


Qazim Laci's 11th-minute header gave Albania an early advantage, similar to their quick start against Italy in their previous game. This time, Jasir Asani's cross from the right was met by Laci, whose glancing header slipped past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.


Though initially at fault, Livakovic redeemed himself with crucial saves later in the first half, denying Kristjan Asllani and Rey Manaj's diving header as Albania came close to extending their lead.


Albania's resilient defense and quick counterattacks belied their low ranking, 56 places below 10th-ranked Croatia.


Croatia made two substitutions at halftime, intensifying their pressure on Albania’s goal. Thomas Strakosha made key saves from Luka Sucic and Mateo Kovacic to preserve Albania's lead until Kramaric scored on his 33rd birthday, shooting through Elseid Hysaj's legs and wrongfooting Strakosha.


Soon after, an own goal occurred when Ante Budimir's shot, set up by Mario Pasalic, was blocked by Berat Djimsiti but deflected off Gjasula into the net.


In a dramatic conclusion, Gjasula redeemed himself by scoring in the fifth minute of added time, securing a hard-fought point for Albania.

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