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.
[(Vasco da Gama) Strength]: 1. Vasco da Gama are motivated to keep unbeaten in this home game.[(Vasco da Gama) Neutral]: 1. Vasco da Gama received 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the last 5 encounters with close performances.[(Vasco da Gama) Weakness]: 1. Vasco da Gama lost to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista 2-3 in the last home game, suffering back-to-back defeats, which gives a blow to their mora...
[(Atletico Paranaense) Strength]: 1. Viveros scored the only goal of the game in the last match and performed well. He may get another chance to play in the Copa do Brasil in midweek.2. Atletico Paranaense ended their winless streak in the league with a 1-0 victory over Clube de Regatas Brasil in their latest match.3. Atletico Paranaense eventually eliminated Sao Paulo FC in the last round of the ...
[(Los Angeles Galaxy) Strength]: 1. As the tournament has reached the Semifinals, both teams are highly motivated and determined to advance to the final.2. Los Angeles Galaxy's Harbor Miller scored in the last game with excellent form.3. In-form Los Angeles Galaxy hammered Colorado Rapids 3-0 in the last game, making it two wins in a row among all events.4. Los Angeles Galaxy performed well in the...
[(Atletico Mineiro (MG)) Strength]: 1. Atletico Mineiro (MG) have almost no chance of winning the league title this season. The team are determined to win in the Copa do Brasil and hope to use their home field advantage to secure a victory in the first leg and lay a solid foundation for advancement.2. Atletico Mineiro (MG) have performed steadily at home in the league this season, achieving 4 wins...
[(SL Benfica) Strength]: 1. Despite being reduced to ten men for the majority of the match, SL Benfica secured a resilient goalless draw away from home in the first leg, which greatly boosted the team's confidence. They hope to use home field advantage to defeat Fenerbahce S.K. and advance to the UEFA Champions League group stage.2. SL Benfica have been in excellent form recently. In the new seaso...
[(F.C. Copenhagen) Strength]: 1. F.C. Copenhagen played a draw away to FC Basel in the first leg, and they will advance to the main tournament of the UEFA Champions League if they win this game. Thus, the team will go all out to attack at home.2. F.C. Copenhagen's major center-back Gabriel Pereira scored an equalizer for the team in the last league game. He scored in two successive games, with a r...
[(Inter Miami CF) Strength]: 1. Inter Miami CF have advanced to the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup this season after a series of impressive victories. Having won the inaugural edition of the tournament, the team are now poised to make another strong push for the title, fully motivated.2. Inter Miami CF's key striker Luis Suarez has been in excellent form in the Leagues Cup, showcasing strong offen...
[(RC Celta de Vigo) Strength]: 1. RC Celta de Vigo defender Javier Rueda, who returned to the team on loan from Albacete Balompie this season, opened the scoring in the last game. Although the team ultimately failed to secure a win, his contributions in both attack and defense were commendable. He is expected to retain his starting position for this game.2. RC Celta de Vigo have conceded 4 goals i...
[(Club Brugge) Strength]: 1. In the first leg, Club Brugge played away but took the initiative, defeating Rangers F.C. to gain the upper hand for advancement. Now, returning to their home ground, they will naturally go all out for a victory, aiming to secure a dominant advance by defeating their opponents twice.2. Club Brugge's attacking prowess has been demonstrated through multiple goal-scoring ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal, Liverpool then & Now Al $enal EPL Week 2 !! This is so accurate Los Blancos have truly secured themselves not one, but TWO future Legends! emmm 002 Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: originaltrollfootball, AZRorganization, zhibo8, Justtoonit)...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 6 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC