WATCH: Albania stun Croatia with an incredible early goal

Albania's midfielder #14 Qazim Laci celebrates scoring the opening goal with fans during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Albania at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on June 19, 2024
Qazim Laci celebrates scoring the opening goal vs Croatia in Hamburg (Image credit: Getty Images)

Albania are clearly keen to come out of the traps firing at Euro 2024. After stunning Italy in the first few minutes of their opening group game, they wasted little time in netting another early goal against Croatia.

Jasir Asani’s whipped cross from the right flank only needed the slightest of touches from Qazim Laci to send it past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who might think he could have done better when he reflects on the game later.

The ease with which Asani was able to cross and the lack of defenders around Laci will be a major concern for Croatia, who looked vulnerable defensively in their 3-0 defeat to Spain.

It was a goal that put Albania on the front foot in a game they began with real enthusiasm and energy, buoyed by the vocal backing of their supporters in Hamburg.

Both teams came into the match knowing that a win was essential after defeats in their first games. Croatia, especially, are in need of a victory after their heavy defeat to Spain and with Italy still to play in their final group fixture.

Albania, meanwhile, are very much the underdogs having been placed into what many described as the Group of Death, with the three other nations tipped by most to progress into the last 16.

But Albania have performed admirably so far and Laci’s early goal vs a Croatia side with an impressive track record at recent tournaments only strengthens their case to become the tournament's dark horses.

More Euro 2024 stories

This is how to watch Euro 2024 live streams from anywhere in the world, while we have a guide on how to get Euro 2024 tickets if you're still looking to go to the tournament. We have the run-down on Euro 2024 stadiums, with info on host cities, capacities, and everything you need to know.

We have a list of the Euro 2024 favourites, with best odds on nations to win European Championship in Germany, while these are the best Euros games ever and these are the best pundits ever. With England set to be one of the favourites, meanwhile, we've analysed what the pathway to the final could look like for the Three Lions

With plenty of favourites for the tournament in 2024, here's a look at the previous records of some of the bigger nations at the tournament.

Callum Rice-Coates

Callum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.

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