Disappointing draw with Albania, Croatia faces the risk of being eliminated

(Dan Tri) - After 90 tense minutes, Croatia was held to a 2-2 draw by Albania at Hamburg Arena (Germany) on the evening of June 19 in Group B of Euro 2024. This result puts Croatia at risk of being eliminated early.

90+5'

IN: Gjasula equalizes 2-2 for Croatia

Albania tried to attack and after a central attack, Gjasula quickly finished, defeating goalkeeper Livakovic, bringing the equalizer 2-2 for Albania.

90+3'

Mirlind Daku's failed attempt

In a chaotic situation in the Croatian penalty area, Mirlind Daku had two shots but was blocked by defender Josko Gvardiol.

89'

Luka Modric's impressive moment

Modric dribbled through the middle past two Albanian defenders before unleashing a long-range shot that went just wide of the post. Croatia were in high spirits after taking a 2-1 lead.

82'

Croatia kept missing opportunities

When Albania pushed up their formation, Croatia continuously had dangerous counter-attacks, however, coach Dalic's players were somewhat physically exhausted and lacked precision in their final moves.

75'

IN: Croatia surprisingly takes a 2-1 lead

Croatia attacked in the middle, Pasalic passed the Albanian defender on the left wing and passed to Luka Sucic to finish, the ball hit defender Gjasula's foot and went into the net. 2-1, a surprise for Croatia.

Midfielder Gjasula (number 8) was surprised after putting the ball into his own net. Photo: Reuters

73'

IN: Andrej Kramaric scores a technical shot to equalize 1-1 for Croatia

In a central attack, Andrej Kramaric entered the penalty area and had a low shot through the legs of the Albanian defender, surprising goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, equalizing 1-1 for Croatia.

Andrej Kramaric celebrates his goal (Photo: UEFA).

66'

Croatia showed no luck in finishing.

Pasilic jumped high and headed the ball wide of the post in the penalty area. Croatian strikers showed a lack of confidence and often rushed shots from favorable positions.

Croatia lacked precision in their aerial shots (Photo: UEFA).

57'

Bruno Petkovic's disappointment

Croatia remained loyal to the high balls. Bruno Petkovic could not hide his disappointment after his header went over the crossbar from a cross from his teammate on the right wing.

51'

Mario Pasalic headed wide of the post

Croatia attacked on the left wing and Perisic crossed the ball for Pasalic to fly and head, the ball went wide of the Albanian goalpost.

Croatian players' disappointment (Photo: UEFA).

47'

Croatia attack full of deadlock

Forced to push up the formation, Croatia continuously had situations where they crossed the ball into the penalty area, but Petkovic was still ineffective in heading situations.

The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Albania.

45+1'

Albania is very dangerous in high ball situations

Albania launched a quick attack and Rey Manaj headed the ball into the box, but goalkeeper Livakovic saved for Croatia.

Albania is dangerous in counter-attack situations (Photo: UEFA).

39'

Croatia attack deadlocked

Perisic tried to break away from the penalty area and decided to shoot from distance, but the ball was too soft and Thomas Strakosha caught it.

Modric and his teammates played in a deadlocked match (Photo: UEFA).

36'

Andrej Kramaric makes a dangerous breakthrough

Andrej Kramaric broke through on the left flank and won a dangerous free kick. Modric crossed the ball in, but goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha saved the situation for Albania

30'

Goalkeeper Livakovic saves for Croatia

Luka Modric's mistimed pass in midfield allowed Albania to counterattack and Kristjan Asllani made a dangerous run down the field, but luckily goalkeeper Livakovic saved Croatia.

29'

Albania is good in counter-attack situations

Elseid Hysaj rose high and fired a shot from outside the box, but the ball went wide of the Albanian goal.

Albania is playing confidently after taking the lead (Photo: UEFA).

26'

Petkovic's header was unsuccessful.

Josip Juranovic crossed the ball into the penalty area for Petkovic to jump high and head, but the ball went wide of the post.

25'

Croatia's ineffective ball control play

Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic continuously had wall-to-wall movements in the middle of the field, however Croatia was still stuck in finding a way into Albania's goal.

19'

Croatia pushed their squad up to attack.

Croatia pushed up their formation in search of an equalizer. Brozovic decided to take a long shot from outside the box, but the ball went wide of the post.

14'

Albania played with confidence

Albania appeared confident after taking the lead and Nedim Bajrami dribbled outside the box and shot, but the ball went wide of the Croatian goal.

10'

IN: Qazim Laci heads the ball in for Albania

Qazim Laci's joy after scoring (Photo: UEFA).

From a simple attack on the right wing, Qazim Laci jumped high to head the ball, giving goalkeeper Livakovic no chance, opening a surprising 1-0 score for Croatia.

Albanian player's header goal (Photo: UEFA).

9'

Croatia passed the ball to Perisic on the left wing

Croatia mainly attacked on the left flank thanks to the mobility of Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric, but they still lacked precision in their finishing.

3'

Rey Manaj's shot was too soft.

Albania had a central attack and Rey Manaj turned and shot from outside the box, but the ball was too soft.

Albanian player's unsuccessful ball handling situation (Photo: UEFA).

2'

Croatia actively pushed up the squad to press the field

Determined to win, Croatia pushed up their formation to attack but they encountered Albania defending in large numbers.

36 minutes ago

The first half of the match begins.

Croatia determined to win all 3 points (Photo: UEFA).

37 minutes ago

Croatia and Albania starting lineups

40 minutes ago

Croatian players warm up on the field

Croatia is determined to win all 3 points (Photo: UEFA).