Albania Grab A Point in Euro 2024
Dramatic Albania fightback against Croatia
Last-gasp strike saw Albania rescue a point against Croatia
Albania an unlikely draw against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in their second EURO 2024 Group A match, a meeting between two sides that had never faced each other in a competitive fixture. Qazim Laci netted the fastest goal in the history of the European Championship just seven seconds into the clash in Manchester. However it was the 2018 World Cup finalists who dominated throughout and took the lead thanks to a quickfire double from Andrej Kramaric.
In a dramatic finale, Armando Broja levelled with a clinical finish before substitute Myrto Uzuni completed a remarkable turnaround with a low strike into the bottom corner to earn his side a first point of the tournament in dramatic fashion. The result keeps Albania's hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, while Croatia will be left frustrated after failing to see out their advantage.
Albania had lost their opening game of the tournament to Spain, while Croatia had been beaten by Portugal. With both sides needing a positive result, the match started at a frantic pace and Albania took the lead in sensational style.
From the kick-off, Taulant Xhaka played a long pass down the right flank for Laci, who beat Croatia left-back Josip Juranovic for pace and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from a tight angle.
The lead lasted just seven minutes, though, as Danijel Subasic was adjudged to have brought down Kramaric in the box and the referee awarded Croatia a penalty. Kramaric calmly converted the spot-kick to level the match.
Croatia continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Kramaric scored again. This time, he was on the end of a cross from Ivan Perisic and headed home from close range.
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