Euro 2024: Germany Moves Forward, Historic Feats For Gjasula And Shaqiri

Matchday two of the Euro 2024 group stage commenced on Wednesday, featuring hosts Germany, who became the first team to secure a spot in the last 16 with a win over Hungary. Despite Hungary providing a sterner test compared to Scotland in their previous match, Germany managed a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan.

Musiala not only scored in Germany's first two games but also became the second-youngest player to achieve this feat in European Championship history. Hungary fired 11 shots, the most Germany has faced in a Euros match since 2012. Despite missing opportunities, Hungary showed resilience but couldn't breach Manuel Neuer's goal.

In Group B, Croatia and Albania played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Albania took the lead through Qazim Laci, but Croatia struck back with goals from Andrej Kramaric and an own goal by Klaus Gjasula. Kramaric celebrated his 33rd birthday with a well-taken goal, becoming the third player to score on their birthday at the Euros.

Gjasula redeemed himself by scoring a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time, making history as the first substitute to score both a goal and an own goal in a single Euros match. His equalizer, clocked at 94 minutes and 23 seconds, was the latest in European Championship history (excluding extra time).

The draw leaves Croatia on the brink of an early exit, requiring a win against Italy in their final group match to hope for progression. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric set two records: he became the oldest player to make over 100 passes in a Euros match and also started his 15th game in the tournament, behind only Andres Iniesta among midfielders.

Germany's win over Hungary was not as straightforward as the scoreline suggested. Toni Kroos was a standout performer, completing 124 passes, the second-most by a midfielder in Euros history. Despite Hungary's pressure and resilience, Germany held firm to secure their place in the knockout stages.

The final game of the day saw Scotland earn a valuable 1-1 draw against Switzerland, rebounding from their heavy defeat to Germany. Scott McTominay's deflected shot gave Scotland an early lead, but Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri equalized with a stunning long-range effort.

Shaqiri became the only European player to score in each of the last six major tournaments, with ten goals across the World Cup and European Championships. Despite Switzerland's pressure, Scotland held on, meaning they only need a win against Hungary in their final group game to likely reach the last 16.

Germany's advancement marks them as the first team to move forward to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Croatia faces a critical game against Italy for any chance of progression. Scotland's draw against Switzerland keeps their hopes alive, thanks to McTominay's goal and resilient performance against Shaqiri’s brilliance.