Klaus Gjasula struck five minutes into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Albania against Croatia in Hamburg and keep alive their hopes of reaching the Euro 2024 knockout stages.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists looked to have secured a fine comeback win after Andrej Kramaric scored in the 74th minute to cancel out Qazim Laci’s early goal for Albania, then midfielder Gjasula inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper two minutes later.
But with time almost up, Albania attacked down the left and the ball was crossed to Gjasula who fired left footed into the corner to stun Croatia and set up a tense finale to Group B.
Albania took the lead after 10 minutes.
Jasir Asani collected the ball wide on the right midway inside the Croatia half and launched a reaching cross that was met with a glancing header by Laci, his effort squeezing through the hands of goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and in at the near post.
The advantage was nearly doubled on the half-hour mark when Kristjan Asllani went through but was denied by a superb low stop from Livakovic, then on the stroke of half-time the goalkeeper was again called upon to keep out Rey Manaj’s close-range header.
Croatia began the second half with renewed urgency and should have levelled after 57 minutes when defender Josip Sutalo headed a near-post corner wide from two yards.
The equaliser finally arrived from Kramaric, the striker finding himself in space inside the penalty area from Ante Budimir’s pass and striking the ball through the legs of Elseid Hysaj.
And minutes later they led, Budimir’s cutback was hit low at goal by Luka Sucic, his blocked effort rebounding into the net off the unfortunate Gjasula.
Then when all looked lost, Gjasula redeemed himself in dramatic fashion, left free near the penalty spot to sweep the ball into the corner to save Albania.
Fernandes-NevesRuben Neves is eager for Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes to join him at Al-Hilal as the Manchester United star mulls an offer from the Saudi club.WHAT HAPPENED?Fernandes is considering a huge move to the Saudi Pro League, with the club prepared to pay him £200 million over three years. The Manchester United skipper is still deciding on whether to accept the £700,000 per...
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City FC - Premier LeagueMilos Kerkez has hinted that a summer move to Liverpool is on amid talk that the Premier League champions are keen to sign the Bournemouth star.WHAT HAPPENED?The Reds have a long-standing interest in Kerkez, who has impressed at left-back for Bournemouth this season. Quizzed about a potential move, the Hungarian told Nemzeti Sport that the specul...
Paris Saint-Germain v FC Internazionale Milano - UEFA Champions League Final 2025PSG star Ousmane Dembele has been named the Champions League Player of the Season, while Lamine Yamal and one Arsenal player also made the best XI.WHAT HAPPENED?Dembele shone throughout the competition, scoring six goals during the league stage before netting against Liverpool and Arsenal in the knock-out rounds. He w...
Nottingham Forest 'close' to agreeing deal for THREE Botafogo starsNottingham Forest are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano, and Jair Filho this summer.According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Forest are close to agreeing a deal with the Brazilian side for the three players.Striker Jesus, 24, left-back Cuiabano, 22, and central defender Jair, 20...
Chelsea join race for Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteChelsea are reportedly the latest club to register an interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.The 22-year-old had previously been linked with a move to Man United, but they were unable to meet Everton’s 370 million valuation.Branthwaite has emerged as one of England’s hottest defensive pros...
Saudi Pro League clubs eye Tottenham ace Son Heung-MinTottenham captain Son Heung-Min is reportedly subject to interest from several Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.The 32-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but Tottenham recently activated the one-year option in his contract, keeping him at the club until summer 2026.According to TalkSPORT, ...
PSG in 'concrete talks' to sign River Plate wonderkid Franco MastantuonoChampions League winners PSG are reportedly in 'concrete talks' to sign highly-rated River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono this summer.The French club are said to be interested in adding another rising star to their young side with the 17-year-old keen on the move.Mastantuono currently has a €45 million release clause...
Roma await as Gian Piero Gasperini leaves AtalantaAtalanta have confirmed long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini has officially left the club with a move to Roma understood to be only a matter of time.The 67-year-old leaves Atalanta after nine years having transformed them from Serie A strugglers to consistent Champions League competitors.Atalanta released a statement thanking Gasperini for his...
Francesco Acerbi refuses Italy call-up, hints at lack of respectInter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has rejected a call-up from the Italy national team, hinting at a lack of respect from manager Luciano Spalletti.Acerbi, 37, played the full 90 minutes for Inter Milan as they suffered the biggest defeat in Champions League final history against PSG on Saturday.Just hours after the 5-0 defeat, he ...
Luis Diaz's fiancee Gera Ponce sends goodbye message to Liverpool fansGera Ponce, fiancee of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, has seemingly sent a goodbye message to the fans as transfer speculation continues to mount.Diaz, 28, has been heavily linked with moves to Barcelona and Saudi Arabia but recently said in an interview with the club he was “very happy” at Liverpool.The stories surroun...
- 1 Gyokeres' words about joining Arsenal
- 2 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Maya Jama and Ruben Dias share loved-up selfie
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Arsenal boss Arteta's wife Lorena Bernal shares marriage secrets
- 7 Daily Laugh - GG bro / Sancho & Antony
- 8 AC Milan put eye-watering price-tag on Leao
- 9 Liverpool star Konate drops update on future
- 10 'No agreement' between Chelsea and Sancho