FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Before they took the field, Croatian Luka Modric had warned that this would be "the most difficult tournament". He probably had in mind the confrontation with Italy and Spain, without considering Albania in the "group of death". The red and black team, managed by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Brazil full-back Silvinho, is quite physical and ready to exploit any gaps with crosses and surprise counter-attacks. This team needed 23 seconds to score in "EURO 2024", making Nedim Bajrami set a record for the fastest goal ever scored in the history of a European Championship. Although Albania lost the match with Italy 2-1, their goal served as a warning: do not underestimate this team!
It was a warning that Croatia tried to heed. The match between them was definitely an entertaining match. Albania quickly took the lead this time, as Qazim Laci found the back of the net in the 11th minute. In the first half, Croatia had the ball at their feet for 69% of the time, but Albania had the best chances of the game. Kristjan Asllani and Rei Manaj scared the Croatians several times, but without success.
This has been a major theme for Silvinho's side, who have lacked attacking fluidity in some crucial moments of the game.
Injuries to Manaj and Armando Broja during the qualifiers meant that neither striker had developed the kind of game chemistry the team needs to be a strong counter-attacking side. The manager's decision to leave Myrto Uzunin, Keidi Baren and Sokol Cikalles out of the 26-man squad for the tournament also caused a stir. Cikalleshi was not the most prolific goalscorer, but his consistent play gave Albania valuable ground in the qualifiers.
It took a 'handful' of changes in the second half for Croatia to turn the game in their favour. Marcelo Brozovic and Lovro Majer were replaced by Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic in the first half. Croatia's self-confidence grew. Their full-backs penetrated further and further up the field, until they found the goal in the 74th minute. Two minutes later, the next goal was scored. More specifically, an own goal by Albania's defensive midfielder, Klaus Gjasula. Albania could have collapsed, but they somehow found the second goal.
In Asllani, they have a composed midfielder when he is in possession of the ball. The 22-year-old is showing that it is worth being Brozovic's replacement at Inter.
" We have to fight for every point. For the country and for our Federation, "- this was Silvinho's assessment after the match.
The Brazilian often mentions sweat and respect. Hard work is the minimum and the most important ingredient for this team, this is also shown by the fact that they can be wild in front of goal (Mirlind Daku was penalized for losing the ball and hitting Josko Guardiol on the side of the head).
However, one way or another, they found the second goal in the 94th minute. Gjasula became the only player to score an own goal and a goal in the same game, giving his side a slim chance of advancing to the round of 16. 1/16.
" This is Albania; it's a little crazy ," Asllani said after the 2-2 draw.
Now Silvinho's men will have to be at their best to get a good result against Spain in their final group game, but they are a team that have never been afraid of hard work. Albania does not back down and this makes it a difficult opponent in this tournament./" New York Times "
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