From zero to hero! Albania's Klaus Gjasula sets bizarre milestone at Euro 2024 after scoring an own goal before rescuing late point in Croatia draw

Albania midfielder Klaus Gjasula went from zero to hero at Euro 2024 after scoring an own goal before rescuing a point for his country in their 2-2 draw with Croatia.

Croatia, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, looked to have secured a pulsating comeback victory after Andrej Kramaric cancelled out Qazim Laci's early opener.

Gjasula then inadvertently put through his own net after Luka Sucic's deflected strike from a cutback ricocheted off him and beyond goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

But just when it looked like Albania were teetering on the verge of an early knockout, Gjasula redeemed himself five minutes inside stoppage time by tucking home.

In doing so, the 34-year-old created a bizarre milestone.

According to stats guru OptaJoe, Gjasula became the first substitute in the history of the European Championship and the World Cup combined to come off the bench and score both a goal and an own goal in the same match.

Incredibly, Gjasula was able to hit the target at both ends of the pitch despite only being introduced in the 72nd minute, having replaced Laci, the first goal scorer.

His breathtaking day was capped off deep inside stoppage time after he picked up a yellow card following a desperate lunge on on Luka Modric to stop a late counter. 

Gjasula also chalked up another record on Wednesday evening.

Having netted the equaliser on 94 minutes and 23 seconds, his goal was the latest leveller scored in the history of the European Championship, excluding extra time. 

Croatia will now need to beat defending champions Italy to have a chance of progressing from Group B while Albania face Spain in their final match. 

Spain and Italy are top of the group after winning their opening fixtures.