Gajsula's last-gasp strike in the fifth minute of second-half extra time helped Albania clinch a point at Euro 2024.
Croatia, who lost 3-0 to Spain in their opening match, had a much better second half in Hamburg but were beaten to the death by courageous Albania in Group B - as the nearest neighbors shared the points. Their first meeting.
After losing their opening group stage matches, both sides knew defeat was not an option. And so, a difficult opening day took place on Wednesday.
Content to slow the pace, Albania soon became comfortable in possession.And then, almost out of nowhere, Kazim Laki burst at the near post to glance in Jasser Asani's pinpoint delivery from the right. Another quick early goal for Sylvinho's side.
Croatia wavered momentarily, and the Eagles had a chance to go ahead again. This time, Nedim Bajrami sprinted into the danger area but failed to test Dominik Livakovic, relieving Zlatko Dalic.
Now applying more pressure up the pitch, Croatia created their first real threat as Marcelo Brozovic's worrying snap-shot flew wide.Undeterred, Albania continued to press for a second and Livakovic was forced to deny Kristjan Aslani in the 31st minute.
Despite sitting deep to protect their advantage, Albania once again breached the Brozovic-protected Vatreni back line before half-time; However, Livakovic dealt with Rey Manaj's close-range header.
With breaks from Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic, Croatia created two good chances. Thomas Strakosha got a strong hand on Susic's powerful shot before Pasalic was out.
Delic's team were now enjoying their best spell of the game, and as Albania's energy levels waned, Croatia's threat increased.Vatreni was probing the gap in the Albanian armor and finally, in the 74th minute, he found the breakthrough. As Albania switched off, Andrej Kramaric found the bottom corner to restore parity – his first Euro goal on his 33rd birthday. Two minutes later, Croatia attacked again, with Klaus Gajsula deflecting the ball into his own net amid a goalmouth scramble.
The score was still tied at the full-time whistle, but Croatia's impressive performance in the second half looked to have secured all three points. However, in a dramatic twist, Gajsula – who had only come on in the 72nd minute – found redemption by driving in a low last-gasp leveller.Both sides duly claimed their first points of Euro 2024.
Croatia, who lost 3-0 to Spain in their opening match, had a much better second half in Hamburg but were beaten to the death by courageous Albania in Group B - as the nearest neighbors shared the points. Their first meeting.
After losing their opening group stage matches, both sides knew defeat was not an option. And so, a difficult opening day took place on Wednesday.
Content to slow the pace, Albania soon became comfortable in possession.And then, almost out of nowhere, Kazim Laki burst at the near post to glance in Jasser Asani's pinpoint delivery from the right. Another quick early goal for Sylvinho's side.
Croatia wavered momentarily, and the Eagles had a chance to go ahead again. This time, Nedim Bajrami sprinted into the danger area but failed to test Dominik Livakovic, relieving Zlatko Dalic.
Now applying more pressure up the pitch, Croatia created their first real threat as Marcelo Brozovic's worrying snap-shot flew wide.Undeterred, Albania continued to press for a second and Livakovic was forced to deny Kristjan Aslani in the 31st minute.
Despite sitting deep to protect their advantage, Albania once again breached the Brozovic-protected Vatreni back line before half-time; However, Livakovic dealt with Rey Manaj's close-range header.
With breaks from Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic, Croatia created two good chances. Thomas Strakosha got a strong hand on Susic's powerful shot before Pasalic was out.
Delic's team were now enjoying their best spell of the game, and as Albania's energy levels waned, Croatia's threat increased.Vatreni was probing the gap in the Albanian armor and finally, in the 74th minute, he found the breakthrough. As Albania switched off, Andrej Kramaric found the bottom corner to restore parity – his first Euro goal on his 33rd birthday. Two minutes later, Croatia attacked again, with Klaus Gajsula deflecting the ball into his own net amid a goalmouth scramble.
The score was still tied at the full-time whistle, but Croatia's impressive performance in the second half looked to have secured all three points. However, in a dramatic twist, Gajsula – who had only come on in the 72nd minute – found redemption by driving in a low last-gasp leveller.Both sides duly claimed their first points of Euro 2024.
