Euro 2024 Insight: Gjasula Achieves a Historic Milestone, Shaqiri Continues His Record-Breaking Streak
In Wednesday’s gripping matches at Euro 2024, both Klaus Gjasula and Xherdan Shaqiri shone brightly, while Jamal Musiala’s performance was a highlight as Germany punched their ticket to the round of 16.
The Euro 2024 spectacle continued with Germany setting the pace, becoming the first squad to secure advancement to the next round, though their duel with Hungary proved tougher than anticipated.
Scotland halted their losing streak with a tie against Switzerland. Things looked bright until Shaqiri’s brilliant strike nullified Scott McTominay’s initial goal.
Croatia faced Albania in another nail-biter that ended in a 2-2 deadlock, leaving the Croatian team on the verge of elimination. This match, filled with twists, has quickly become a tournament favorite for viewers.
Klaus Gjasula found himself both a hero and a villain in a historic performance.
Croatia was inching towards victory with goals flipping the script in their favor until Gjasula, stepping off the bench, pulled Albania back into the game with a last-minute equalizer, making him the first substitute to score both an own goal and a match goal in the same Euros contest.
His goal, recorded at 94 minutes and 23 seconds, also became the latest equalizer in the history of the Euros, with only retroactive extra time recordings excluded.
Meanwhile, Croatian hopes now hinge on overpowering Italy in their concluding group match. Croatia’s golden boy, Luka Modric, added another record to his illustrious career, becoming the veteran with the highest number of passes in a single Euros game.
Germany confidently stepped into the last 16 with a win over Hungary.
The victory spotlighted Jamal Musiala, whose goal set two records, making him the youngest to score in consecutive group matches. Ilkay Gundogan later sealed the deal with a goal, his first dual role in scoring and assisting since 2019.
Though Hungary put up a tough fight, Toni Kroos delivered precision passing that fell just short of breaking a Euros record.
Scotland and Switzerland drew, leaving Scotland’s hopes alive.
After rebounding dramatically from a prior defeat, Scotland managed a draw, with Shaqiri’s exceptional goal marking him as a consistent scorer across six major tournaments.
While Shaqiri celebrated yet another landmark in his career, the Scots can now look forward to a potential last 16 spot should they topple Hungary in their next game.
Their resilience in past matches against the Swiss boosts their confidence moving forward. As of now, a significant chunk of Scotland’s points in group stages at the Euros has come from clashes with Switzerland.
