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Euro 2024: Croatia, Albania settle for 2-2 draw

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Europe power horse, Croatia on Wednesday failed to secure maximum points as they settle for share of the spoils with less fancied Albania.
Forward Klaus Gjasula followed up an own goal with a stoppage-time equaliser as Albania stunned Croatia to secure a 2-2 draw following a breathless Group B encounter in Hamburg.
Sylvinho’s Red and Black minnows struck the fastest goal in Euros history in their opener against Italy and they made another rapid start here as Qazim Laci squeezed a header home on 11 minutes.
Few minutes after,  Kristjan Asllani and Rey Manaj both missed good opportunities to double the underdog’s tally.
Upon resumption of the second half, shaky Croatians  were able to find their rhythm.
The pressure eventually paid off  with two goals in two minutes as Croatia took the lead.
 Kramaric cut a lovely finish into the bottom corner before a clinical move down the left ended with substitute Gjasula turning an unfortunate ricochet into his own net 14 minutes from time.
But  Gjasula would redeem himself in the fifth minute of stoppage time as he finished off a flowing move down the left to earn the minnows a priceless point and deny their opponents the maximum points.
With the result, Albania currently occupy the first position behind Italy and leaders Spain, who both have three points ahead of the top two in Group B facing off on Wednesday evening.
Croatia sit bottom with a vastly inferior goal difference.
The last game of the group will see Croatia slug it out with Italy, while Spain will battle Albania next week Monday.
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