Budimir’s Impact: From Rib Fracture to Saving Croatia in Euro 2024 Match

On the evening of June 19, an intense and dramatic match unfolded in Group B of the 2024 Euros, as Croatia faced Albania. The fixture ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.

Croatia found themselves on the back foot for most of the game, trailing since the 12th minute due to a defensive lapse. Despite a more aggressive approach and increased urgency in the second half, the decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute with the introduction of Budimir off the bench.

The substitution paid immediate dividends, as Budimir assisted Kramarić for the equalizer just five minutes later. Then, in the 76th minute, his pass inadvertently led to a Jashiri own goal, putting Croatia ahead within a short span.

Budimir, who plies his trade at Spain’s Osasuna, scored 17 goals and provided two assists in La Liga last season. For the Croatian national team, he has made 22 appearances, scoring three goals.

The player’s outstanding display almost single-handedly rescued his team, especially considering he had been dealing with a fractured rib only two months prior. His resilience and contribution were nothing short of remarkable.

On April 17, Budimir suffered a rib injury, fracturing three ribs, during Osasuna’s match against Valencia. Doubts emerged over his participation in the remaining league games and the Euro tournament. However, he battled through the pain, resumed training, and now, he has saved Croatia from elimination.

Just when it seemed that Croatia was set to secure a hard-fought victory, fate dealt them a cruel blow in the 90+5th minute, allowing Albania to score again and force a disappointing draw. Nevertheless, Budimir’s heroic performance stood out as a highlight of the match, demonstrating his decisive influence and professionalism in adversity.