A dramatic late equaliser saw Croatia draw 2-2 with Albania in a crucial Group B encounter at Euro 2024 on the evening of June 19th.
Croatia had been on the back foot for most of the game, chasing the game after falling behind in the 12th minute due to a defensive lapse. Despite increasing their attacking intensity and showing greater urgency in the second half, the real turning point came in the 69th minute when Budimir was introduced as a substitute.
Budimir’s impact was immediate, setting up Kramaric to score the equaliser just five minutes after coming on. He then forced an own goal from Albanian defender Jashari in the 76th minute to briefly put Croatia ahead.
Budimir plays for Osasuna in Spain, scoring 17 goals and providing 2 assists in La Liga last season. He has 22 caps and 3 goals for Croatia.
He became almost a hero for the team, especially considering he was still recovering from a broken rib just two months prior. His resilience and contribution are impressive.
On April 17th, Budimir sustained a rib injury during Osasuna’s game against Valencia, fracturing three ribs. There were doubts about whether he would be fit for the remaining league games and the European Championship. He battled through the pain, returned to training, and now, he has saved Croatia from elimination.
However, just as Croatia looked set to claim a hard-fought victory, fate dealt them a cruel blow in the 90+5th minute, with Albania equalising again and forcing Croatia to accept a frustrating result. Nevertheless, Budimir’s heroic performance remains a highlight of the game, showcasing his decisive impact and professionalism in adversity.
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