June 19 – After losing their opening matches in the Group of Death (Group B) to Romania and Italy respectively, Croatia and Albania knew that a win at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg would reignite their Euro2024 dreams.
A loss by either side and the taxi to the airport would be waiting at the stadium when they play their respective final group matches on Monday. The 2-2 draw keeps both sides alive.
Conventional tournament wisdom says you cannot lose your first game and expect to advance except when there is a 24-team tournament. This means four teams have the chance to sneak through to the knockout phase as a best 3rd place team and in this group one win with goal difference might just be enough.
After smashing the Euro record for scoring the fastest ever goal in the competition’s history (23 seconds against Italy), Albania started with the same kind of intensity.
They pinned Croatia back in their defensive third of the field and that pressure paid off in the 10th minute. Jasir Asani lofted a beautiful cross from the right side onto the head of Qazim Laci who had ghosted into the box like the invisible man as the Croatian backline stood around and watched. Dominik Livakovic the Croatian goalkeeper will look back on his effort to keep the ball out and not be a happy man.
You had to wonder whether Zlatko Dalic’s men were still shellshocked from the waxing inflicted on them by Spain or perhaps father time has finally caught up with this magnificent but aging team.
Croatia though are dogged, and they have taken body blows from the best. Ivan Perisic is the epitome of that mentality and he looked to put his team on his back working tirelessly down the left-hand side trying to carve open opportunities.
As Croatia pushed forward though, Albania started looking increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
In the 31st minute Luka Modric did the unthinkable and gave the ball away initiating a 4 on 3 break. Asani’s pass deflected into the path of Kristjan Asllani who’s blistering drive was brilliantly saved by Livakovic, who redeemed himself for his earlier faux pas.
What was becoming increasingly clear is that Albania’s defensive set up had been cleverly devised by their coach, Sylvinho. The Brazilian obviously had learned from Arsene Wenger during his illustrious Arsenal playing career.
They were compact, narrow and difficult to play through. Croatia started resorting to hopeful balls into the box, which was nothing but food and drink for the back four and goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha who was becoming more composed and assured by the minute.
Just before the half, another counterattack and this time Roy Manaj drifting unnoticed into the area. His header though was weak and Livakovic easily collected but warning signs were there, and they were being ignored.
With a shrill blast of his whistle, referee Francois Letexier, signaled the end of the first half and we had the potential of another shock result as Albania ranked 66th by FIFA deservedly took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room against 10th ranked Croatia.
Zlatko Dalic made two changes to liven up his team sending on Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic and the impact was immediate.
In the 50th minute, Sucic worked Strakosha with a low strike that the Albanian keeper pushed away to his right. Then Pasalic found space, but his header was misdirected when it looked easier to hit the target. Three minutes later Mateo Kovacic took his turn to bring his country back into the game, but his deflected effort wasn’t hit hard enough to wrongfoot Strakosha.
Now it was time for Modric to step up and the maestro began to conduct the play with the majesty of his younger years.
If anyone can create tempo, it’s the Croatian captain, and his probing passes started splitting that tight Albanian back four for the first time on a consistent basis. Wave after wave of Croatian attacks. Pressure, crosses, shots. Bend but don’t break was the Albanian motto as Sylvinho was becoming increasingly animated in the coaching box.
Break they did though. In the 74th minute the constant, overwhelming pressure finally paid off. A smart interchange of passes released Andrej Kramaric, and once he cut inside and wrongfooted Strakosha the game was tied, and Croatia could take themselves off the life support system that was keeping them in the Euros.
Two minutes later they were more than breathing, they were celebrating as 2nd half substitute Ante Budmir bullied his way to the by-line pulling the ball back for Susic. His shot was blocked but the rebound cruelly hit Klaus Gjasula who hadn’t been on the pitch for more than three minutes and bounced apologetically into the back of the goal. What a turnaround…and so unlucky for Albania.
In football if you have belief there is always time for one more chance and in the 89th minute, Albania had theirs after a storming run by Arber Hoxha who alluded what seemed like the entire Croatian back line and firing in a line drive that Livakovic did well to parry. The follow up was smashed over the bar and Livakovic took a boot to the face for his pains.
You just had to admire Albania though, because there is no quit in them.
With just one minute remaining they somehow summoned the desire and produced a brilliant team goal, expertly finished by Gjasula. Cue delirium from Sylvinho and his substitutes, coaching staff and anyone close enough to hug.
Still both teams weren’t finished and in a madcap three minutes both had opportunities to win it. With the final whistle the only thought was to let them keep playing. Change the rules. Last goal wins.
Ultimately, a point a piece was probably fair. Albania took the first half, Croatia the second, but Albania’s incredible spirit kept them alive for now. With Spain up next, they’ll need a proper miracle as will Croatia as they take on Italy. Yet another breathtaking game at these Euros that keep on giving.
Contact the writer, Nick Webster, at moc.l1729223078labto1729223078ofdlr1729223078owedi1729223078sni@o1729223078fni1729223078