June 19, 2024, Beijing time, the UEFA Europa League group B ushered in a focal point of the match, Croatia against Albania. After a 90-minute battle, the two sides shook hands with a score of 2-2.
Right from the start of the match, Albania quickly got into shape and showed a strong desire to attack. In the 10th minute, Albania took a 1-0 lead over Croatia through a precise cross from the right side of the field, which was headed in by Laci. This goal gave Albania a fantastic start. Croatia, on the other hand, looked a bit flustered after conceding the goal, and despite their dominance in possession, they lacked substantial threats on the attacking end.
Into the second half, Croatian manager Dalic made personnel changes in an attempt to strengthen the offense. In the 50th minute, substitute Susic's low shot in the box was parried by Albanian goalkeeper Strakosha, Croatia's first shot on target in the match. Croatia finally equalized in the 73rd minute, when Kramaric burst into the box with the ball on a counterattack and shook off a defender before firing a low shot into the near corner to make the score 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Croatia scored again. Budimir inverted triangular return pass, Susic's shot was blocked, but the ball hit the Albanian defender Jasura's foot and bounced into the goal, Croatia 2-1 reverse score. However, Albania did not give up. The game went into extra time, and in the 95th minute, Albania crossed from the left, and Jasula followed up with a low shot from the middle to equalize the score at 2-2.
At the end of the match, Croatia and Albania had 69% and 31% possession respectively, and in terms of shots on goal, Croatia had 8 shots on goal while Albania had 12. In terms of shots on goal, Croatia had 4 and Albania had 5.
