There have been several highly entertaining games at this European Championship, and this match ranks among the best.
Much of this excitement is due to Albania and their determination to prove they are not just here to make up the numbers.
This is only their second appearance at a Euros, following their debut in 2016, and their fans have truly embraced the experience.
Before kick-off in Hamburg, supporters filled the walkways on the harbourfront, and once inside the stadium, they created an incredible atmosphere throughout the game.
That energy clearly transferred to the players, whose fast-paced counter-attacking football unsettled Croatia, earning Albania a well-deserved 1-0 lead at half-time.
When Croatia scored twice to take the lead, Albanian fans likely experienced a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of Italy’s comeback victory in their first game.
However, this time, Albania did not back down. They pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, and Gjasula’s goal was a fitting reward for their battling display.
End of an era approaching for Croatia?
Having finished as runners-up at the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the semi-finals four years later, it seems unthinkable that this Croatia team could falter at the first hurdle in Germany.
Granted, they were placed in a tough group with Spain and Italy, but they would have seen this game as a must-win to at least have a chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides.
Croatia is a team brimming with talented players, led by the talismanic Luka Modric, who have taken them far in past tournaments.
However, many of these players are now over 30, and it seems time might be catching up with the veterans.
For much of this game, they failed to match the mobility and tempo of their opponents. Although the turnaround was impressive—albeit somewhat fortunate due to the own goal—they should have had enough to see the game out.
Instead, they sat back, which proved costly as Albania once again found the energy to push on and snatch a dramatic equalizer.