The recent Euro 2024 match between Albania and Croatia ended in a thrilling draw, with Albania netting a late equaliser to snatch a point. This unexpected turn of events left Croatia at the bottom of the group standings, adding more pressure as they head into their final game of the group stage.
On the other hand, Germany continued to showcase their dominance in the tournament with a convincing 2-0 victory over Hungary. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan secured the win for the Germans, solidifying their spot in the last 16. It comes as no surprise that Germany is considered one of the favourites in Euro 2024, given their strong performance in the competition so far.
Scotland managed to keep their hopes alive in Euro 2024 by earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Xherdan Shaqiri once again demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with a stunning strike to cancel out Scott McTominay’s opener. Scotland’s resilience throughout the match highlights their determination to advance in the tournament.
1. **Klaus Gjasula’s Milestone:** Albania’s Klaus Gjasula made history by becoming the first substitute player to score a goal and an own goal in a match in both the Euro and FIFA World Cup combined.
2. **Shots on Target:** The match witnessed a total of 17 shots on target, bringing back memories of the epic encounter between Croatia and England in 2004, which featured 22 combined shots on target, the highest recorded in the group stage games at the Euros since 1980.
3. **Late Equaliser:** Gjasula’s goal in the 94th minute marked the latest equalising goal ever scored in the UEFA European Championship history, excluding extra time.
4. **Own Goals:** Euro 2024 has seen four own goals scored in just 14 games, double the number compared to the last World Cup, indicating the unpredictability and intensity of the current competition.
5. **Toni Kroos’ Passing Record:** Toni Kroos set a record by completing 124 passes in Germany’s recent match, making it the second-highest number of successful passes by a midfielder in a UEFA European Championship game.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s performance in Euro 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. With 5 goals scored at the tournament, Shaqiri’s accuracy in front of goal has been exceptional, surpassing his expected goals (xG) by a significant margin. His versatility and consistency on the international stage make him stand out among other top players in the competition.
Furthermore, Shaqiri’s feat of scoring in each of the last six major international tournaments is a testament to his skill and endurance as a player. His impact goes beyond just scoring goals, as he becomes the first MLS player to score at the Euros, showcasing the global reach and talent present in the competition.
Euro 2024 continues to deliver thrilling matches and outstanding performances from players like Xherdan Shaqiri, who consistently raise the bar with their skills and achievements on the international stage. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more excitement, drama, and memorable moments that make football truly captivating.