Euro 2024: Croatia x Albania, Match Preview, Odds, Team News and Predictions(19/06/2024)

When Croatia plays Albania in their second group game, they will try to bounce back after a crushing (3-0) defeat to Spain. The "Vatreni" are still seen as solid favourites to defeat Albania at Volksparkstadion, even if they did not perform well in their EURO 2024 debut match. Ante Budimir of Osasuna should be moved to the bench, and Bruno Petkovic will probably take his place even though he missed a penalty against La Roja. The Zlatko Dalic squad has no new injury concerns.

On the other hand, the Albanians played a good game despite losing 2-1 against Italy. Nedim Bajrami, who scored the quickest goal in Euros history over the weekend, will be a player to watch in the away team. Home victory should be considered since Croatian coach Dalic has a lot of elite players at his disposal, such as Mateo Kovacic, Josko Guardiol, and Luka Modric. Regarding the few guests, Armando Broja and Arber Hoxha are within one yellow card from being suspended.

Croatia x Albania Republic Team News

Regarding Croatia's squad, there should be no shocks, even if Zlatko Dalic could try to make some changes after Spain's loss.

To form a more aggressive midfield team, Luka Sucic may replace Marcelo Brozovic. Josko Gvardiol has been playing excellent left-back for Manchester City, but Dalic could shift him back to central defence, with Borna Sosa taking up his old position. Josip Sutalo, probably Gvardiol's partner, will also be on the defensive.

Things are fascinating up front, primarily when Ante Budimir directs the assault. Still, Croatia has other players who can blend in, including Andrej Kramaric, who is supposed to play left flank.

Anticipate several changes from Sylvinho for the Croatia encounter; Taulant Seferi and Armando Broja will likely start with Qazim Laçi and Rey Manaj.

The defence of Albania is much more assured. Elseid Hisaj and Mario Mitaj flank Berat Djimsiti and Enea Mihaj, the preferred centre defenders, with Thomas Strakosha projected to play goal. Still, the middle is more intriguing.

Albania may deploy a double pivot, three extra offensive midfielders, or three central midfielders and two wingers. In any configuration, Jasir Asani should start on the other wing, but Ylber Ramadani and Kristian Asllani are the obvious choices at the base of the midfield.

Head To Head And Previous Matches

On June 19, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Croatia and Albania will square off in the first round of the second round of Euro 2024 group stage matches.

By placing second in their qualifying group—just one point behind Turkey and four ahead of Wales—Croatia guaranteed their participation at Euro 2024. They tied Turkey in victories but lost to Wales and drew, losing another game to Turkey to lose points. They did, however, finish the group with consecutive wins and have since defeated Egypt and Tunisia in the first FIFA Series.

Group F's shock winners were Albania, nevertheless. Their superior head-to-head record allowed them to finish top even though they tied with the Czech Republic in points. With three draws and one loss—a loss to Poland in Warsaw in their first group game—Albania won four of their eight games. But 2024 hasn't started well for Albania, as they lost friendlies against Sweden and Chile.

Our Predictions

Croatia to win @ 1.52 omg Sky247.ng

Although Croatia and Albania both suffered opening losses in Group B at Euro 2024, their differences should be evident when they play each other on matchday two at Volksparkstadion.

Spain destroyed Croatia 3-0, and while Albania scored the quickest goal in European Championship history to go up after 23 seconds, Italy edged them 2-1.

Though the 3-0 scoreline against Spain was harsh on Croatia, who won the shot count 16-11 and had a little more possession, the Albanian outcome first seemed more heroic.

About 20 minutes had passed before Spain scored its three goals, and Croatia could match La Roja for most of the game.

With Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic in their midfield, they should have far too much experience for Albania.

Perisic to score anytime @ 3.75 on Sky247.ng

Regarding a correct score forecast, goals may take a lot of work to come by since Croatia is not the squad that barnstorms forward.

Only twice in the past ten games in all competitions has Croatia scored more than two goals; hence, Albania should play with their backs to the wall in the hopes of scoring a goal on the counterattack.

Considering such, a Croatian victory of 2-0 would be worth considering in the correct score market.

Those seeking a striker choice, meanwhile, could go as far as seasoned Croatian winger Ivan Perisic.

Despite starting on the bench the last time out because of fitness issues, Perisic managed three shots—one on target—after coming on in the 55th minute and might threaten Albania.

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