Despite leading 2-1 until the final minutes of the match, Croatia still suffered an unfortunate split against Albania and made it difficult for themselves on their journey to this year’s EURO play-off round.

Match score : Croatia 2-2 Albania.Scorers for Croatia : Kramaric (74′), Gjasula (76′, own goal).Goal scorers for Albania : Laci (11′), Gjasula (90+5′).

Klaus Gjasula’s second-half stoppage-time goal helped Albania pull off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Croatia in the second match of Group B at EURO 2024.

The contrasting emotions of Klaus Gjasula (black shirt) on the Albanian side and Luka Modric (Croatia) (Photo: Getty)

Contrary to expectations, Croatia lost the initiative against Albania in the first minutes and as a result, they let Laci open the score with an accurate header. Croatia continued to play deadlocked and suffered a 0-1 defeat after the first 45 minutes.

Coach Zlatko Dalic made adjustments when bringing Luka Sucic, Mario Pasalic, and Ante Budimir onto the field and this helped Croatia play well. Budimir was good at the wall and had a pass to set up the score for Kramaric to equalize. Just a few minutes later, Sucic’s dangerous goal-kicking situation accidentally caused Klaus Gjasula to burn the temple, increasing the score to 2-1.

It seemed like this was the final score, but in the 5th minute of injury time, Gjasula – the player who previously scored an own goal – had a goal more precious than gold, setting the score 2-2.

Just 1 point in this match makes it difficult for Croatia in the race to qualify for the play-off round. In the final match, Luka Modric and his teammates have to face the top candidate for the championship – Italy.