HAMBURG: Albania left Croatia in danger of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday as Albania’s Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equalizer.
After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opener, Croatia were behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg.
But Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions and Andrej Kramaric levelled with 16 minutes remaining, before Gjasula put through his own net.
The Albania midfielder became the last-gasp hero, though, slotting into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch his team a point.
Croatia, World Cup semifinalists in 2022, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against holders Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout phase for a fifth straight major tournament.
Albania have won plenty of plaudits with their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but could not hold a lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive.
Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ were ultimately made to pay for a poor first-half display and are in danger of bowing out from major tournament football in limp fashion.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted against a change in formation from the Spain defeat, sticking with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.
But he brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol into central defense.
The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as the supporters of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament so far.
Albania scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy and they made another quick start.
It took until only the 11th minute for Sylvinho’s men to break the deadlock this time, as Sparta Prague midfielder Laci ghosted into the area unmarked to nod home an inch-perfect, inswinging cross from Jasir Asani.
Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their faces and continued to look the more dangerous side, with right-back Elseid Hysaj firing off target.
The underdogs could have doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani was denied by Dominik Livakovic when face-to-face with the Croatia goalkeeper.
Albania striker Rey Manaj passed up another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough purchase on his free header in first-half added time to seriously trouble Livakovic.
Dalic responded by making two changes at the interval, bringing on 21-year-old Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Brozovic.
Those substitutions brought about a quick improvement from Croatia, as Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a good save to keep out Sucic’s left-footed shot, before Pasalic headed over seconds later.
Albania continued to threaten on the counter-attack, though, with Nedim Bajrami drilling wide of the near post in the 67th minute.
But Croatia finally found a way through in the 74th minute as substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric inside the box and the forward cut inside before sending a composed finish inside Strakosha’s near post.
The turnaround appeared to be complete two minutes later as Sucic’s close-range effort was blocked, but only against the unfortunate Gjasula and into an empty net.
Albania did not give up, missing a series of chances as it appeared Croatia would cling on.
Gjasula had other ideas though, sweeping a loose ball home before a chaotic denouement that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of a winner, to no avail.
Albania dent Croatia’s Euro 2024 hopes with dramatic draw
https://arab.news/6h4yr
Albania dent Croatia’s Euro 2024 hopes with dramatic draw
- Klaus Gjasula put through his own net and then became the last-gasp hero by slotting into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch the draw
- Albania have won plenty of plaudits with their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive
Learning every day: Kuwait players reflect on DP World ILT20 season 4
- ‘To play alongside players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow is a very big moment for me,’ says Mohammed Shafeeq of MI Emirates
DUBAI: Season four of the DP World ILT20 marked a significant step in the league’s regional development efforts, with players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia earning selection at the first ever auction and featuring across all six franchises.
Each team acquired at least one player from the two countries, offering emerging cricketers the opportunity to train and compete alongside some of the world’s leading players.
The DP World ILT20 season four ended on Jan. 4, with the Desert Vipers overcoming the MI Emirates to secure their first title.
Speaking over the course of the tournament, the Kuwait players reflected on their experiences and the opportunity to work alongside established international cricketers.
Captain of the Kuwait cricket team, Mohamed Aslam, said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to represent Sharjah Warriorz in the DP World ILT20, and we are getting a lot of experience in the dressing room.
He said he was sharing the dressing room with “leaders like Tim Southee and Sikandar Raza. I have gotten a lot of information from them and learned many things by asking questions.
“As an associate cricket player, this is a very good opportunity. I hope to apply all of this in Kuwait and do our best.”
Mohammed Shafeeq became the first player from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia to feature in a DP World ILT20 fixture when he played for the MI Emirates against the Dubai Capitals.
“The support from the coaching staff has been amazing because this is a completely different feeling for us. It will help us in the future, as the coaches are always watching us and giving technical inputs.”
“It is a very big moment for me to be part of this team and to play alongside players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow,” he added.
“All of them are top players and operate at different levels. They consider us for every match, and that means a lot to me.”
The Dubai Capitals’ Anudeep Chenthamara said: “I would like to thank the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 for giving me this opportunity, it is a big one for me and the whole team.
“There has been a lot of experience and learning over here. We have worked with experienced players and coaches; I have been able to work on many things from the basics to the higher level. For example, I have changed the base of my run-up.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Gulf Giants’ Meet Bhavsar, who has played 73 T20Is for Kuwait, said: “It’s been a great experience to share the dressing room with the superstars of modern-day cricket.
“Facing somebody like Tabraiz Shamsi in the nets has been really challenging and helped me immensely. I will try to share as much as I can with the rest of the Kuwait team, and I am grateful for the chance to be here.”
Representing the Desert Vipers, Bilal Tahir said: “We are learning a lot every day. We have very good coaches, a great environment, and the style of teaching really helps us improve.
“Playing with these stars is a dream for us because they are legends, and we learn so much from them. Just the other day in the nets, Fakhar Zaman told me how to improve certain things. I am very thankful to the Desert Vipers for giving us this opportunity.”
Adnan Idrees, whose services were secured by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, added: “It’s a great experience and I’m really enjoying my time here.
“Learning from legends is always a blessing, and sharing the dressing room with players like Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone makes me feel my game will improve a lot.
“I keep getting tips from them about staying focused on my game, and I’ve learned a lot already. They are gems as people and as cricketers, and it’s a joy to share the dressing room with them.
“I feel blessed to be part of the DP World ILT20 and hope more players get the chance to come here.”
