Albania substitute Klaus Gjasula had the rare experience of scoring for both teams Wednesday (Jun 19) in an intense 2-2 draw with Croatia that could make it difficult for each to survive the group stage at Euro 2024. The Croatian players were particularly disappointed with the result in Hamburg after Gjasula's stoppage-time goal denied them a much-needed win after they lost 3-0 to Spain in their opening Group B match.
Albania scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to deny Croatia a victory that severely dents the 2018 World Cup finalists' hopes of reaching the knockout stage of Euro 2024.
In what was an entertaining end to the game, the Albanians rescued a point when Klaus Gjasula side-footed home in the 95th minute to send their supporters wild.
It had looked like the game would finish in heartbreak for Albania, having let slip another early lead.
Qazim Laci struck in the 11th minute and his side then defended superbly for over an hour as they looked on the verge of producing a major upset. But Croatia turned around an incredible game at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion when Andrej Kramaric drove in an equaliser, before Luka Sucic's shot deflected off Gjasula and into the Albania net.
However, Gjasula had the final say with his late strike, which means Croatia will now need to beat defending champions Italy in their final Group B game to have a chance of progressing.
Albania face a tough test in their next game against Spain, but this is a performance and result that will live long in the memory of their fans.
