Albania held Croatia to a 2-2 draw thanks to a goal in second-half stoppage time.

Croatia is 56 places above Albania on the rankings. However, facing the opponent considered the weakest in the “death group”, Luka Modric and his teammates encountered many difficulties.

Like the match against Italy, Albania created a surprise with an early goal. Jasir Asani crossed the ball from the right wing, Qazim Laci headed it hard, making it impossible for the Croatian goalkeeper to block.

The early goal left Croatia in a quandary. The world’s 10th-ranked team dominated possession (nearly 70%, according to Whoscored data).

However, the number of shots that Modric and his teammates took was less than their opponents. Croatia’s attack was deadlocked and found opportunities with ineffective wing-crossing situations.

Croatia struggled against Albania. (Photo: Reuters)

Croatia’s most dangerous move in the first half was a header from Andrej Kramaric, which was saved brilliantly by the Albanian goalkeeper.

In the second half, Croatia attacked more strongly. The pressure that Albania’s defense faces gradually increases.

The world’s 66th-ranked team struggled to defend. They defended well for most of the second half. However, Albania still had moments of carelessness and were punished by their opponents.

In a rare situation with space in the penalty area, Kramaric calmly controlled the ball before firing a shot through the legs of the opposing defender. The Albanian goalkeeper stood still and watched the ball go into the net.

Just 3 minutes later, the right corner of the Albanian defense fell again. Midfielder Klaus Gjasula was unlucky when his teammate’s clearance hit this player and bounced back into the goal. Croatia took the lead thanks to their opponent’s own goal.

The match was exciting in the final minutes when Albania went all out in attack. The moment of emotional explosion happened in the 5th minute of added time. Gjasula made amends by scoring the equalizer, helping Albania earn 1 point.