At 9 p.m. on June 19, the second round of Group B of the European Championship kicked off. Croatia and Albania, who failed to win the first game, met each other, and this game can be described as a "life and death game", with twists and turns and suspense on the field. This is not only an existential battle between the two teams, but also a heartbeat night for fans around the world.
Albania struck first, and Croatia was in a bitter battle
At the beginning of the game, both sides showed a very high level of competitive form. In the 11th minute, Albania was the first to break the deadlock. Asani crosses precisely from the right and the ball flies towards Lacchi in the middle. Croatia's defense was like papier-mâché, and Lacchi jumped up easily and scored with a header! Albania led 1-0 and cheers rang out one after another, while Croatian fans could only sigh.
The goal not only showcased Albania's sharp attack, but also exposed Croatia's shortcomings after adjustment. Croatia made a major change from the opening game against Spain, with Gvardiol moving back from the flanks to the middle, Perisic being deployed at the back and Petkovic at centre-forward. However, it is clear that these changes have not yet allowed the team to fully adapt.
Faced with a backward situation, Croatia quickly launched a counterattack. In the 20th minute, Brozovic fired a low shot from the right side of the arc, and the ball was slightly deflected, which made the Albanian goalkeeper pinch a cold sweat. In the 26th minute, Majer's cross from the right was headed over the crossbar by Petkovic, and Croatia's attack gradually increased, but luck did not seem to be on their side.
Croatia's attack was blocked, and Albania counter-attacked sharply
In the 30th minute, Albania launched a counterattack again, Bajrami broke through on the left to form a one-on-one momentum, facing Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic, he shot decisively, but Livakovic attacked bravely, successfully defused the crisis and kept the goal.
In stoppage time of the half, Albania threatened again when a cross from the right found Manai, whose header was saved. Croatia counter-attacked quickly and Perisic picked up a cross in front of goal, and Kramaric's header was cleared off the goal line by a defender, but the referee signalled for a foul on Kramaric first. At the end of the first half, Croatia was down 0-1 and the situation was quite unfavorable.
In the second half, Croatia counter-attacked and reversed in two minutes
After the start of the second half, Croatia clearly adjusted their tactics and attacked more violently. In the 48th minute, Kovacic cut inside on the left side and fired a long-range shot that was firmly held by the Albanian goalkeeper. In the 50th minute, Croatia sent a low cross from the left side, and Pasalic's header was high again, and the Croatian fans were in a state of flux.
Despite Croatia's successive attacks, they were never able to find the back of the net. In the 56th minute, Petkovic's header was easily saved by the goalkeeper, and Croatia's effort was always a little bit worse.
In the 62nd minute, Albania's Asllani tried to shoot low after receiving the ball at the top of the arc, but the ball was saved by the Croatian goalkeeper. In the 68th minute, Perisic broke through on the left and crossed, and Pasalic's header went high again, and Croatia still missed the goal.
At the end of the game, Croatia scored a goal and Albania equalized
Finally, after a long attack, Croatia found a breakthrough at the end of the game. In the 74th minute, Croatia slanted into the penalty area on the right side, and the high school striker Budimir sent the ball to the left, and the follow-up Kramaric turned around and shot low after a slight adjustment, and the ball went into the net! Croatia equalised 1-1 and the fans cheered.
Just two minutes later, Croatia attacked again. Budimir crossed from the right and Susic received the ball in the box and fired a powerful shot into the net that hit defender Jasura and deflected into the net. Croatia scored two goals in just two minutes to make it 2-1 and the atmosphere reached a climax.
As the game entered the final stages, Croatia tried to stabilize the situation, but Albania did not give up. In the 87th minute, Croatia's Luka Modric received the ball on the right side of the front field and fired a low shot, but the ball slid out of the goal and failed to extend the score. In the 89th minute, Albania's Sefri slashed into the left side of the penalty area after holding the ball in the middle, Bayrami followed up with a low shot that was saved, and Daku shot away from close range, but the referee signaled offside.
Albania drew in the last minute and Croatia faced a difficult situation
In the 90+2nd minute, Albania attacked again, Hoxha on the left passed into the penalty area, Daku swept in the chaos, but the action was too big and kicked the Croatian player Gvardiol, who was shown a yellow card. Tensions continued to heat up as the game entered stoppage time.
Just as the match was coming to an end, Albania staged a Jedi counterattack. In the 90+4th minute, Seyfri's low flat ball from the left side passed in front of the goal, Jasula followed up with a low shot, the ball flew into the net, and Albania equalized 2-2! Jasula redeemed himself after an own goal and the equaliser left Albanian fans ecstatic.
In the 90+6th minute, Croatia was still trying to overtake, Kovacic shot after continuous horizontal movement at the top of the arc, and the ball was saved. In the end, Croatia drew 2-2 with Albania and after a tumultuous final few minutes, neither side could have the last laugh.
Croatia's future is in jeopardy, while Albania is fighting tenaciously
As a football commentator, I have to say that this game is full of drama and suspense. Croatia had clearly made tactical adjustments after suffering a first-round defeat, but those adjustments did not work immediately. Defensive mistakes and inefficiency in the offensive end put them in a difficult position in the first half. Although they showed great counter-attacking ability in the second half, scoring twice in two minutes, a leaky defensive in the final minute cost them three points.
Albania, for its part, has shown admirable tenacity. Despite being reversed in the second half, they never gave up and every counter-attack was full of threat. Jasula's equalizing goal after an own goal showed the psychological quality and fighting spirit of the players.
In the final round of life and death battles, who can break through?
At present, Croatia and Albania both have 1 draw and 1 loss, and Croatia is temporarily at the bottom with a goal difference of -3. For both teams, the final round of matches will decide their fate. Croatia need to be more solid defensively while being more efficient in attack. Albania, on the other hand, will need to continue to maintain their tenacious fighting spirit and strive for every goalscoring opportunity.
In any case, this match adds a lot of drama and excitement to the European Cup. Fans are looking forward to the final round of the life-and-death battle, the suspense continues, and we will wait and see who can finally break through.