With a goal in added time, Albania snatched a draw against Croatia (2-2), who will have to beat Italy to avoid exiting the group stage.
Croatia almost has no choice. Four days after its slap received from the hands of Spain (3-0) for its entry into Euro 2024, the nation on the checkerboard caught its feet in the carpet against Albania (2-2), Wednesday in Hamburg, and sees the round of 16 move away. The Croatians’ piano-piano start was quickly cut off by Albanian realism, Qazim Laçi heading a cross from Jasir Asani on which the goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, is not exempt from all reproaches (11th, 0-1) .
If the Albanians only had the ball in fragments, their use was much more inspired. Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani lost a face-to-face with Livakovic (31st) and Rey Manaj did not press his head enough, stopped by the Croatian goalkeeper (45th+1). At the same time, neither Luka Modric, nor Lovro Majer, nor Ivan Perisic knew how to bring the spark. Majer and Marcelo Brozovic gave up their place at half-time, unable to set the pace and create the gap for, in the absence of a goal, an opportunity.
A much better Croatia after half-time
Coach Zlatko Dalic, however, was more inspired during his talk, because the face of his team was completely different upon returning from the locker room. Luka Sucic forced Thomas Strakosha into a first real save (50th), imitated by Mateo Kovacic (53rd) when Josip Sutalo lacked skill from a corner (58th). Dominated head and shoulders, Albania logically cracked. And not just a little. Andrej Kramaric found the fault after a good shift at the pivot from the incoming striker, Ante Budimir (74th, 1-1), doubly decisive.
Because in the process, the Osasuna player overwhelmed his opponent in the area and crossed back, causing the goal against his camp from Klaus Gjasula, who also came into play (76th, 2-1). Served in dramaturgy, the meeting shifted into the Hollywood scenario at the heart of added time. Tired, the Croats gave up the ball to their opponents. And the marking too. Mario Mitaj had plenty of time to adjust a low cross from the left side for… Gjasula. His clear shot from the penalty spot made half of the Volksparkstadion exult (90th + 5, 2-2).
It is a situation close to catastrophe for Croatia, last in group B (tied on points with Albania) behind Spain and Italy (3 pts each) who face each other on Thursday (9 p.m.). It would take a miracle that would not depend only on her for a draw against the Nazionale next Monday to be enough for her to place herself among the best 3rd in the group. Clearly, the Croatians will have to beat the reigning European champions to snatch their ticket to the round of 16. His first two scores do not inspire serenity.
