Albania Deny Croatia Victory In Stoppage Time

Croatia Held to Dramatic Draw by Albania

Albania Deny Croatia Victory in Stoppage Time

BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium, Doha

Croatia's hopes of reaching the top three at the FIFA World Cup took a severe blow as Albania scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to deny them victory. Croatia had taken an early lead through Andrej Kramaric, but Albania fought back and equalized through Myrto Uzuni in the second half. Croatia then looked to have snatched all three points when Luka Modric scored a stunning goal in the 89th minute, but Albania had the last laugh when Sokol Cikalleshi headed home in the 94th minute.

The result leaves Croatia in third place in Group E, two points behind second-placed Morocco. Albania, meanwhile, are now fourth in the group, one point behind Croatia. With just one game remaining, Croatia's hopes of reaching the knockout stages are now hanging by a thread.

The match started brightly, with both teams looking to attack. Croatia had the best of the early chances, with Kramaric coming close on two occasions. However, Albania also had their moments, and they eventually took the lead in the 24th minute when Uzuni converted a penalty.

Croatia responded well to going behind, and they equalized just six minutes later through Kramaric. The striker took advantage of a poor clearance from the Albania defense to fire home from close range.

The second half was a more even affair, with both teams having chances to win the game. Croatia came close on several occasions, but they were unable to find a way past Albania's goalkeeper, Etrit Berisha. Albania also had their chances, but they were unable to make the most of them.

The match seemed destined to end in a draw until Modric popped up with a stunning goal in the 89th minute. The Real Madrid midfielder collected the ball on the edge of the Albania box and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner.

However, Albania were not to be denied, and they snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 94th minute. Cikalleshi headed home from close range after a corner from Armando Broja.

The result leaves Croatia with a mountain to climb if they are to reach the knockout stages. They must now beat Belgium in their final group game and hope that Morocco lose to Canada.