Croatia vs Albania LIVE!

Euro 2024 served up another thrilling game as the second round of group fixtures began in Hamburg. Albania led for much of Wednesday afternoon’s pulsating contest at Volksparkstadion, having notched an early header through Qazim Laci as they again made a brilliant start to proceedings after scoring the earliest goal in European Championship history against defending champions Italy at the weekend, before losing 2-1.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic should have done much better but Croatia were later indebted to him for two huge saves to keep the score at 1-0 heading into half-time. Croatia - brushed aside 3-0 by Spain in their opening match - were much improved after a pair of changes at the break, ratcheting up the tempo and the intensity and piling on both pressure and chances, eventually getting the breakthrough they deserved when birthday boy Andrej Kramaric fired home.

That was followed just a couple of minutes later by an unfortunate own goal from Albania substitute Klaus Gjasula, who earned redemption with an equaliser deep into stoppage time as a memorable clash ended all square in Group B - the so-called ‘Group of Death’ - ahead of the heavyweight showdown between Italy and Spain in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday night. Follow Croatia vs Albania reaction from Euro 2024 live below!

Croatia vs Albania highlights

• GOAL! Gjasula scores dramatic last-gasp equaliser

• OWN GOAL! Gjasula puts through his own net

• GOAL! Kramaric fires in deserved Croatia leveller

• GOAL! Laci glances home early header for Albania

Croatia 2-2 Albania

16:57 , George Flood

Full-time

What a game!

Last-gasp redemption for Gjasula - Croatia are understandably gutted.

In truth, that’s probably a result that will make it hard for both teams to qualify from the so-called ‘Group of Death’.

Croatia take on defending champions Italy in Leipzig on Monday night in the final round of group games played concurrently, with Albania up against Spain in Dusseldorf.

First there’s the blockbuster battle between Spain and Italy in Gelsenkirchen tomorrow night...

Croatia 2-2 Albania

15:59 , George Flood

96 mins: Still time left for a dramatic winner here, with Gjasula accepting a yellow for a crucial foul to halt Croatia.

Kovacic’s strike is spilled by Strakosha but Albania survive!

GOAL! Croatia 2-2 Albania | Klaus Gjasula 95'

15:57 , George Flood

95 mins: ALBANIA HAVE A LAST-GASP EQUALISER!

And it’s redemption for Gjasula, who sweeps a low shot past Livakovic.

Utterly amazing scenes in Hamburg.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:53 , George Flood

93 mins: Two chances for Daku go begging in stoppage time!

He’s clipped the head of Gvardiol with the second as the referee blows his whistle.

Yellow card.

Time is almost up for Albania...

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:51 , George Flood

90 mins: Albania have SIX minutes of stoppage time to rescue this.

And that will be more after Livakovic needs treatment.

He’s okay to continue.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:50 , George Flood

88 mins: Baturina is denied by Strakosha as Croatia hunt that third goal to put this game to bed.

A couple more yellow cards on that Croatia bench.

Livakovic bravely dives at the feet of Daku after spilling a shot.

So close for Albania.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:47 , George Flood

86 mins: Albania back on the ball looking for a dramatic equaliser, but now Croatia come forward again and Modric drags wide of the far post.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:46 , George Flood

85 mins: A double change from Albania now too as they desperately strive to get back into this game with another late twist.

Ramadani and Manaj are replaced by Arber Hoxha and Mirlind Daku.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:45 , George Flood

84 mins: Kramaric and Perisic have been withdrawn by Croatia.

On come Martin Baturina and Borna Sosa.

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:43 , George Flood

What a turnaround in Group B...

Croatia 2-1 Albania

15:41 , George Flood

79 mins: Croatia are a different team now and Pasalic almost adds a third, but is denied by Strakosha.

Albania have to find something here. Hysaj booked.

GOAL! Croatia 2-1 Albania | Klaus Gjasula OG 76'

15:40 , George Flood

76 mins: What an incredible late turnaround in Hamburg!

Budimir has changed this game for Croatia, getting to the byline and pulling back for Pasalic.

His strike then deflects off two Albania defenders, flying past Strakosha off the unfortunate substitute Gjasula.

Amazing drama in Group B. Croatia are well and truly now alive at Euro 2024!

Suddenly Albania’s last-16 hopes look in real jeopardy...

GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Albania | Andrej Kramaric 74'

15:33 , George Flood

74 mins: Croatia finally have their equaliser!

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:32 , George Flood

72 mins: Goalscorer Laci is heading off for Albania now.

On comes the more defence-minded Klaus Gjasula into midfield.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:31 , George Flood

70 mins: Albania’s defence are up against it again as we enter the final 20 minutes in Hamburg, with Budimir earning a corner that is scrambled away.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:30 , George Flood

68 mins: Croatia are rattling more and more decent crosses into the Albania box, with Perisic the chief proponent.

However, the likes of Petkovic can’t turn them home in the middle.

Osasuna striker Ante Budimir is on for Croatia now. Off goes Petkovic

Croatia assistant Vedran Corluka was shown a yellow card on the touchline a little earlier after remonstrating about a decision from the referee.

He felt Croatia were denied a potentially important advantage following a foul.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:26 , George Flood

66 mins: Suddenly it’s end-to-end stuff again in Hamburg, with Croatia denied at one end before Albania rediscover their attacking verve on the counter.

Bajrami twists and turns but can only fire off target.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:24 , George Flood

63 mins: Finally Albania break through on the counter again, but Livakovic stops Manaj once more.

Asani is heading off. On comes Taulant Seferi with Sylvinho’s first change of the afternoon.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:22 , George Flood

60 mins: Modric’s powerful strike from range is blocked by Ramadani, who goes down hurt and needs treatment.

Croatia are almost in again through Perisic! Albania are clinging on at the moment, with Manaj caught offside with their one attempt at a break in this second half so far.

Suddenly that threat looks to have been extinguished...

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:18 , George Flood

57 mins: Albania cannot get out of their own half as resurgent Croatia continue to swarm all over them in this one-sided second half.

They get another corner and Sutalo heads just wide at the front post.

He should have scored!

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:16 , George Flood

55 mins: Still the pressure comes from Croatia, who have certainly flicked a switch in Hamburg.

A ball is stood up to the back post for Sucic, who can only steer a hopeful header well wide.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:13 , George Flood

53 mins: Croatia continue to pile on the early second-half pressure, with a low drive from the more energetic Kovacic skipping up off the defender before being held by Strakosha.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:10 , George Flood

50 mins: Much, much better from Croatia, Sucic bending a low shot that is repelled by Strakosha before Perisic heads off target.

Their fans are right back in this. They look far more dangerous now than at any stage during that woeful first 45 minutes.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:09 , George Flood

48 mins: Buoyed by those changes, Croatia already looking far more dangerous in the early stages of this second half, playing with more purpose, aggression and urgency.

Gvardiol is a threat in the box from set-pieces, but Albania again stand firm.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:05 , George Flood

Croatia are making two changes at the break, with Brozovic and Majer making way for Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic.

Back underway in Hamburg.

Albania unchanged.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

15:02 , George Flood

Almost 70 per cent possession for Croatia in that first half, but only one effort on target.

Head coach Zlatko Dalic will be demanding a huge response from his side after the break. How long until we see some personnel changes?

A defeat here for Croatia would be simply disastrous.

With only defending champions Italy to come in Leipzig on Monday night, qualification for the last-16 would surely be beyond them.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:56 , George Flood

How important could this save from Dominik Livakovic prove to be?

He made another on the stroke of half-time, trying to atone for his error for the goal...

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:55 , George Flood

Half-time

And breathe! An absorbing end to a decent opening period at Volksparkstadion.

Croatia have 45 minutes to potentially save their last-16 qualification hopes here.

Albania are ahead, look so good on the counter and have had two massive chances to double their latest early lead.

What a win this would be for Sylvinho’s men.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:48 , George Flood

46 mins: Another major chance for Albania before the break but Manaj’s header is kept out by Livakovic.

Croatia then go up the other end and seriously threaten in an action-packed end to this first half, Strakosha making a superb save to deny Kramaric before the offside flag is raised.

Dramatic stuff in Hamburg!

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:46 , George Flood

45 mins: Into one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

Croatia have certainly upped the tempo, but still can’t ask any serious questions of Strakosha.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:44 , George Flood

43 mins: Croatia sustain a period of pressure before the break, with crosses coming in from both sides from Perisic and Juranovic.

Djimsiti stands up well to the challenge of Majer, who heads comfortably wide.

Think that came off the Albania captain actually. That should have been a corner.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:42 , George Flood

40 mins: The audible energy surge in the crowd when Albania come forward on another counter is quite something.

Now it’s Croatia turn to break, but a cheap foul conceded spoils any chance of building some momentum as half-time approaches.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:39 , George Flood

37 mins: Croatia are almost caught out again by another sharp Albania ball over the top intended for the run of Manaj.

Zlatko Dalic has to make some sort of change defensively here.

It’s very difficult to see them not scoring again if they continue to threaten so overwhelmingly on the counter like this.

Another tame low Croatia strike - I think from Brozovic - is easily held by Strakosha.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:37 , George Flood

36 mins: Modric’s free-kick from the left is punched away authoritatively by Brentford goalkeeper Strakosha.

Croatia have to reset.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:36 , George Flood

34 mins: So sloppy from Croatia in the final third still, even when they are gifted possession by Albanian errors.

Modric certainly not immune to it either.

Manaj is denied on another Albania break before Asani trips Kramaric.

Can Croatia make something from this set-piece to the left of the box?

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:34 , George Flood

32 mins: A disappointing ball from Asani ends up in the grateful arms of Livakovic as Croatia try to take the sting out of this latest bout of Albania pressure.

They are so, so dangerous on the counter.

Croatia simply can’t live with it in this first half.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:33 , George Flood

31 mins: An absolutely huge save from Livakovic to deny Asllani and keep this at 1-0!

Albania raced forward on another blistering 4v3 counter-attack after Modric’s through ball at the other end was easily cut out.

A potentially huge moment in this game.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:31 , George Flood

29 mins: Confident stuff from Albania now as the lively Asani gets the ball in from the right.

Croatia can’t clear their lines and Hysaj ends up blazing over the crossbar.

Some very suspect defending from Croatia so far.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:28 , George Flood

26 mins: First real chance of the day for Croatia as Majer is given too much time on the right flank to step inside and curl in a pinpoint left-footed cross that is headed over by Petkovic.

Good centre-forward play from Manaj then to hold off Sutalo and win a free-kick for Albania in a decent position.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:27 , George Flood

24 mins: Kramaric tries to execute a turn on the edge of the box, but he’s outnumbered by black shirts.

Perisic gives away a free-kick rising for the ball in the area.

Really impressed by Albania’s determined defensive efforts thus far with an early lead to defend.

By this time in Dortmund on Saturday night, their 23-second opener had already been cancelled out by a quick-fire Italy brace.

Much work for Croatia to do...

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:25 , George Flood

Here is that early goal from Albania and Qazim Laci.

Dominik Livakovic won’t want to see it again...

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:23 , George Flood

21 mins: The crosses are piling up from Croatia, but well-marshalled Albania continue to deal with them well.

Modric is looking to dictate a quick comeback, but Croatia are loose in possession often and Albania need no second invitation to spring forward on the counter.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:21 , George Flood

19 mins: Croatia begin to flood the box with crosses intended for the likes of Petkovic and Kramaric.

But Albania get them clear and have such a dangerous threat on the counter in Bajrami, who is just about foiled by Sutalo.

Brozovic creates the space for a low drive that flies well wide of Strakosha’s far post.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:20 , George Flood

17 mins: Gvardiol earns a free-kick for a shirt pull and a nudge from Asani that prevents an Albania break down their right side.

Croatia are back in the ball now, trying hard to hit back swiftly.

We’re just not used to seeing this from them at major tournaments.

Croatia 0-1 Albania

14:17 , George Flood

13 mins: Croatia have been absolutely rocked by that early setback - they look all over the place at the moment.

Albania are surging with confidence as Bajrami cuts inside off the left and sees a low strike deflected just wide.

Hysaj’s effort is blocked following the corner.

Albania are all over Croatia here...

GOAL! Croatia 0-1 Albania | Qazim Laci 11'

14:14 , George Flood

11 mins: Albania strike early once again!

Ramadani fires the ball out right to Asllani, whose excellent cross is glanced home off the head of Laci.

It went straight through the hands of Livakovic, who had to do much better there.

Pandemonium in the stands after only Albania’s third-ever major tournament goal.

Croatia 0-0 Albania

14:11 , George Flood

9 mins: Great defending from Juranovic to sprint back and see off the danger posed by the speedy Bajrami on the counter-attack.

Albania will be keen to get a foot on the ball now and hold onto a bit of possession.

Croatia 0-0 Albania

14:10 , George Flood

8 mins: Croatia catch Albania in possession in a dangerous area and Petkovic has it in the box, but the defence stand firm.

But here come Croatia again and a shove on Petkovic allows Modric the chance to swing in a free-kick that is headed clear.

Croatia 0-0 Albania

14:07 , George Flood

5 mins: Croatia are knocking the ball around and waiting for an early opening - head coach Zlatko Dalic having called for them to be patient against such a well-drilled opponent.

Albania, meanwhile, are going direct into Manaj whenever they can.

Croatia are dominating possession now and an initial corner is scrambled clear.

Croatia 0-0 Albania

14:06 , George Flood

3 mins: Some neat and up-tempo early football from Albania, with Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani getting the ball into the feet of ex-Watford forward Rey Manaj.

Gvardiol has his hands full early doors with Manaj, but there’s a big boot clear from Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Croatia 0-0 Albania

14:03 , George Flood

1 min: Just like they did against Italy, Albania are straight onto the front foot as Nedim Bajrami - who netted the fastest-ever European Championship goal after just 23 seconds on Saturday - gets to the byline and delivers a low cross into the Croatia box that is coolly dealt with by Josko Gvardiol - the Manchester City defender switching from left-back to centre-back today.

Great noise in the stands.

Croatia vs Albania

14:01 , George Flood

Underway in Hamburg in the first-ever meeting between Croatia and Albania.

The stakes are high in the so-called 'Group of Death' - who will come out on top?

Another defeat for either would surely be effectively curtains for their last-16 hopes.

Croatia in their familiar red and white checked home strips, with Albania all in black.

France’s Francois Letexier is today’s referee.

Croatia vs Albania

13:56 , George Flood

Here come the players in Hamburg, where the weather remains lovely.

The stadium is split between red and white and red and black.

Captains Luka Modric and Etrit Berisha lead out the two teams.

Time for the national anthems...

Croatia vs Albania

13:46 , George Flood

Under 15 minutes to go until kick-off in Hamburg, where the atmosphere is absolutely bouncing already.

Here’s another reminder of today’s starting lineups:

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Josip Sutalo, Ivan Perisic, Josko Gvardiol; Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric (c); Andrej Kramaric, Lovro Majer, Bruno Petkovic

Albania: Thomas Strakosha; Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Arjeti, Berat Djimsiti (c), Mario Mitaj; Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Qazim Laci; Jasir Asani, Nedim Bajrami, Rey Manaj

Today's venue

13:34 , George Flood

Today’s venue, the 57,000-capacity Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.

This ground played host to the Netherlands’ last-gasp 2-1 win over Poland in Group D on Sunday - let’s hope for similar drama this afternoon.

It is also due to host the Czech Republic twice in Group F, against Georgia and Turkey.

In the knockouts, it has been slated for one quarter-final tie only.

13:25 , George Flood

Final preparations in sunny Hamburg, where Croatia will need more from their captain and enduring talisman Luka Modric in what will surely be his fifth and last European Championship at 38...

Chelsea's Armando Broja dropped as Albania swap two

13:15 , George Flood

Two changes from Sylvinho to the Albania side bested by Italy in Dortmund at the weekend, dropping Chelsea’s out-of-form striker Armando Broja to the bench along with fellow forward Taulant Seferi.

As expected, in come both Rey Manaj and Sparta Prague’s Qazim Laci instead.

Jasir Asani is fit to start out wide again after an ankle issue.

Three changes as Croatia go on the attack

13:10 , George Flood

So that’s three changes to the Croatia team brushed aside by Spain 3-0 in Berlin on Saturday night.

Josip Juranovic comes into the defence, while further forward there are starts for former Tottenham man Ivan Perisic and Bruno Petkovic, who lines up alongside birthday boy Andrej Kramaric in a very attack-minded side.

Presumably that’s Josko Gvardiol into centre-back alongside Josip Sutalo, with Juranovic and Perisic the full-backs.

Then a familiar midfield three of captain Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, with Kramaric and Petkovic joined in the final third by Lovro Majer.

Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic and Ante Budimir all drop to the bench.

Albania lineup

12:56 , George Flood

Starting XI: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Ramadani, Asllani, Asani, Bajrami, Laci, Manaj

Subs: Etrit Berisha, Balliu, Gjasula, Broja, Kastrati, Mihaj, Seferi, Medon Berisha, Muci, Ismajli, Daku, Abrashi, Kumbulla, Aliji, Hoxha

Croatia lineup

12:55 , George Flood

Starting XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Majer, Petkovic, Kramaric

Subs: Stanisic, Pongracic, Erlic, Labrovic, Mario Pasalic, Budimir, Ivanusec, Sosa, Pjaca, Vida, Ivusic, Marco Pasalic, Sucic, Baturina

Predicted lineups

12:38 , George Flood

Official team news will on the way shortly now from Hamburg, but here’s a look at how both sides are expected to shape up this afternoon...

Predicted Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, KramaricPredicted Albania XI: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Bajrami, Ramadani; Laci, Manaj, Asani

12:30 , George Flood

No shortage of fans from both nations in attendance at Volksparkstadion this afternoon.

We should be in for another cracking atmosphere, though I’m not sure anything will quite top Turkey-Georgia in Dortmund yesterday - unsavoury pre-match scenes aside.

Sylvinho warns Albania of dangerous Croatia despite Spain drubbing

12:24 , George Flood

Meanwhile, Dalic’s opposite number Sylvinho was proud of his side’s efforts against Italy and is expecting another tough task in Group B this afternoon.

The former Arsenal and Manchester City full-back believes Croatia looked very dangerous against Spain, despite the one-sided nature of the final scoreline.

"Except for the first 15 minutes against Italy, we did really well,” Sylvinho said at his pre-match press conference.

“We are talking about Italy, one of the best teams in the competition.

"Croatia gave a good performance (against Spain), even in losing 3-0.

“If you see the stats from this match without seeing the result, you wouldn't believe Croatia lost.

“But at this level of football, anything can happen."

Zlatko Dalic: Croatia must be 'patient and cautious' against Albania

12:15 , George Flood

Zlatko Dalic has warned his Croatia side against underestimating Albania this afternoon in what I believe is their first-ever meeting.

He expects his team may have to be cautious and patient to get their rewards against such a well-drilled and spirited outfit, though has promised a more attacking outlook.

“Albania may not be of the same quality as Spain but they deserve a lot of respect,” Dalic said yesterday.

"They are motivated and organised, so we need to be patient and cautious.

“We know our goal is to win and we will be more offensive. We want to improve.

“Even against Spain, we had possession and created more chances, but now we need to be even better."

12:06 , George Flood

A special occasion today for Croatia’s Andrej Kramaric, with the former Leicester striker turned Hoffenheim stalwart turning 33.

Can he mark it with a goal in Hamburg on his 94th cap? That’s provided he retains his starting berth up top of course...

Atmosphere bubbling in Hamburg

11:56 , George Flood

It looks like there is quite some atmosphere already building on the streets of Hamburg ahead of today’s Group B showdown.

Croatia vs Albania prediction

11:47 , George Flood

Croatia may have gone down 3-0 to Spain but created plenty of chances and showed more than enough to prove they are still a handful.

Albania also had their moments against Italy, albeit few and far between, but the difference in class is clear on paper and should be even clearer on the pitch.

Croatia to win, 2-0.

Albania team news

11:44 , George Flood

Albania have been handed an injury boost over South Korea-based winger Jasir Asani, who was initially struggling with an ankle problem but now appears fit for selection.

Head coach Sylvinho does not appear to have any lingering fitness concerns in his squad either, though may also choose to make changes and go on the attack with today’s game feeling must-win for their qualification hopes in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with the confident Spanish to come in Dusseldorf on Monday night.

Sparta Prague’s Qazim Laci and Rey Manaj are among the players that could come into the team in Hamburg.

Croatia team news

11:36 , George Flood

Croatia suffered no known injury setbacks in that 3-0 loss to Spain in Berlin on Saturday, but head coach Zlatko Dalic may well freshen things up in search of a response from his side this afternoon.

Ajax’s Borna Sosa could come into the defence, while the likes of Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic will be competing to earn a spot in midfield.

It remains to be seen if Bruno Petkovic will be considered for a start over Andrej Kramaric up front, having missed a late penalty in that sobering loss to the Spanish.

Where to watch Croatia vs Albania

11:33 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1. Coverage starts at 1pm BST.

Live stream: The ITVX website and app will show a free online live stream.

Croatia vs Albania live

11:32 , George Flood

Euro 2024 is absolutely flying by as we officially enter the second round of fixtures today.

Hosts Germany look to qualify for the last 16 against Hungary in Stuttgart later on day six of what has been a captivating tournament so far, while Scotland cannot afford another defeat in Group A against Switzerland in Cologne tonight.

But first it’s off to Hamburg, where a Croatia team brushed aside in meek fashion by Spain on opening weekend desperately seek to bounce back in Group B - the so-called ‘Group of Death’ - against an Albania team that gave Italy a huge early scare before being narrowly defeated in Dortmund on Saturday evening.

Kick-off this afternoon is at 2pm BST, so stay tuned for match build-up, all the latest team news and live updates.