Albania's Qazim Laci scored the fastest goal in European Championship history, just 11 minutes into their match against Croatia. Football legend Ian Wright laid some blame on Real Madrid star Luka Modric for not tracking Laci's run into the box. Croatia ultimately lost the match, putting them at risk of an early exit from the competition.
Albania Shocks Croatia with Record-Breaking Goal, Modric Blamed
In a stunning upset, Albania's Qazim Laci etched his name into European Championship history by scoring the fastest goal in the tournament's 60-year existence. Just 11 minutes into the match against Croatia on Sunday, Laci darted into the box, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Real Madrid star Luka Modric. With a well-placed finish, he gave Albania an early lead.
Modric's Role in the Goal
Football legend Ian Wright criticized Modric for his failure to track Laci's run, suggesting that his lack of attention contributed to the goal. Modric's reputation as one of the world's best midfielders has been tarnished by this rare lapse in concentration.
Croatia's Struggle
Croatia, a heavy favorite for the tournament, struggled to overcome the shock of Laci's early goal. Despite controlling possession for long stretches, they failed to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. The loss puts their chances of advancing to the knockout stages in jeopardy.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the previous record for the fastest goal in European Championship history?
A: The previous record was 12 minutes, set by Dmitri Kirichenko of Russia in 2004.
2. Who is Qazim Laci?
A: Laci is a 34-year-old striker who plays for Turkish club Elazığspor. He has 40 caps for Albania.
3. Why was Modric blamed for the goal?
A: Modric was assigned to mark Laci, but he failed to track his run into the box, allowing him to receive a pass and score.
4. What are Croatia's chances of advancing to the knockout stages?
A: Croatia's loss to Albania has made their group situation more difficult. They now need to win their remaining matches against the Czech Republic and England to have a good chance of qualifying.
5. What is the significance of Albania's victory?
A: Albania's victory is a major upset and gives them a chance to reach the knockout stages of the European Championship for the first time. It also highlights the growing strength of underdog teams in recent international tournaments.
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