Albania Player Sets Truly Unique Stat After Goal Against Croatia

Croatia’s 2-2 draw against Albania on Wednesday, June 19 produced one of the rarest moments in the history of the Euros, which will likely never be matched again.

Zlatko Dalic’s side almost looked like they had made amends for their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening group game, but Albania had other plans.

Just like their game against Italy on Saturday, June 15, Albania took the lead against the run of play through Qazim Lachi in the 11th minute.

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Croatia found an equaliser through Andrej Kramaric in the 74th minute, and Albania substitute, Gjasula, inadvertently scored an own goal two minutes later to turn the game around.

Late drama during Croatia versus Albania

Albania were meandering towards becoming the first nation to exit the Euros, but there was time for late drama as Gjasula made amends for his earlier own goal by scoring late to rescue a point for his nation.

With his goal, he set a strange milestone by becoming became the first substitute to score a goal on both ends of the field at both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships, according to Opta.

The stats get more bizarre as he also got booked during the game for chopping down a Croatian attacker who was on the verge of creating one final attack. He therefore scored on both ends of the pitch and received a yellow card – all from the bench.

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What makes the stat more remarkable is the fact that Gjasula did all he did in the game in less than half an hour as he was introduced into the action in the 72nd minute.

What next for Croatia?

Dalic’s side has one foot out of the Euros after picking up just one point from their opening two games.

To have any chance of advancing to the next round, they will have to beat defending champions, Italy, in their final group game.

Croatia manager aims dig at England

Sports Brief also previously reported on the swipe Croatia’s boss took at England as he defended his team against the ‘dark horse’ notion.

Dalic’s side, known as Kockasti (Chequered Ones), got off to the worst possible start at the Euros after a 3-0 loss to Spain on Saturday.

The Croatia coach was thoroughly critical of the notion that his side goes into these major tournaments as potential surprise packages.