Croatia are desperate to collect their first win in Euro 2024 against Albania in the second Group B clash after suffering a heavy defeat to Spain.
CRO vs ALB Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Time: 15:00 (CET), 18:30 (IST)
Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
CRO vs ALB Match Preview
Croatia lost early grounds for knockout qualification with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Spain, all goals conceded in the first half, in the opening Group B clash of Euro 2024. This was the third straight loss for them against La Roja after losing in the last-16 of the 2020 edition and in the Nations League final last year. Even though Zlatko Dalic’s side showed glimpses of brilliance in the game with Bruno Petkovic’s penalty saved in the second half, the performance was not motivating. The lack of clinical edge got them ruing with no goals scored from five shots on target and having an xG of 2.38 even more than Spain. Surprisingly, Croatia also kept more possession of the ball. With holders Italy still left to play in the final group game, winning against Albania in the second group game is the utmost requirement at this stage. Anything less than that might spell a premature end to their journey in the competition.
Albania got off to a dream start against the holders Italy after Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in the European Championship history by latching on to a loose throw-in by Federico Dimarco. It was also the Red and Black’s second-ever goal in the tournament. The reality struck quickly later with Italy turning the game around within 15 minutes to claim a 2-1 victory. Sylvinho's side's late flurry did not amount to anything, Rey Manaj denied a late leveler by Gianluigi Donnarumma, as they suffered their first competitive defeat since March 2023 during the tournament qualifiers. Drawn into the ‘group of death’ with Croatia and Spain to face next, Albania has little chance to progress in the next round of only second-ever Euro appearance. They take on the Croats for the first time in their history in the second group game hoping to create a miracle. However, their faith still hangs by a thread even after getting a result here with La Roja waiting for them in the final group match.
Recent Form (all competitions)
CRO: DWWWL
ALB: LLWWL
Recent Form (Euro 2024)
CRO: L
ALB: L
CRO vs ALB Team News
Dalic is expected to make some changes in the starting XI with Borna Sosa coming at left-back and Josko Gvardiol shifting to center-back. Croatia could also drop Marcelo Brozovic from midfield after his poor show against Spain with Mario Pasalic taking his place. Upfront, Ivan Perisic could start the game with Andrej Kramaric assuming the center-forward role.
For Albania, Germany-born Arber Hoxha could start the match with forward Jasir Asani a doubt with an ankle injury. Armando Broja might retain his place despite Rey Manaj’s significant impact off the bench in the previous game.
CRO vs ALB Predicted Lineups
Croatia
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic; Majer, Kramaric, Perisic
Albania
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Laci, Bajrami, Hoxha; Broja
CRO vs ALB Dream11 Match Prediction
Croatia should bounce back from their humiliating Euro opener with a victory against Albania. We expect Dalic’s men to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory.
CRO vs ALB Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Luka Modric
Vice-captain Pick: Andrej Kramaric
Others: Nedim Bajrami
CRO vs ALB Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Strakosha (Cr - 7.5)
DEF: Stanisic (Cr - 8), Djimsiti (Cr - 8), Gvardiol (Cr - 8.5)
MID: Majer (7.5), Modric (Cr - 9), Kovacic (8), Bajrami (8.5), Perisic (Cr - 8.5)
FW: Kramaric (Cr - 8.5), Broja (Cr - 8)
Vice-captain: Andrej Kramaric
Captain: Luka Modric
