Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s European Championship clash between Croatia and Albania, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Both playing catch-up in Group B, Croatia and Albania cannot afford to lose when they meet in Hamburg on Wednesday afternoon.
Having been beaten in their Euro 2024 openers last weekend, the two teams will aim to stay in contention for a place in the tournament’s knockout phase.
Match preview
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Tipped by some pundits to finally bring home some silverware this summer, Croatia started their seventh European Championship appearance – and sixth in succession – with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Spain in Berlin.
Once again losing to La Roja, who were triumphant in last year’s UEFA Nations League final, the Croatians trailed by three before the break, and a missed penalty from Bruno Petkovic – who was subsequently reprimanded by his manager for jumping the queue – only compounded matters.
The mastermind of his nation’s recent exploits at major tournaments, head coach Zlatko Dalic saw his side fail to score despite having 16 shots and posting an expected goals total of 2.38 – but in Euro 2024’s so-called ‘Group of Death’ there is no time to sit and reflect.
Instead, Croatia must try to arrest a decline featuring three defeats from their last five competitive matches, having also been beaten by Turkey and Wales in qualifying – that is as many losses as throughout the previous 29.
The Vatreni have not lost consecutive games at the same finals since Euro 1996, and they certainly cannot afford to do so when meeting regional rivals Albania for the first time in senior international football.
Eliminated at the first knockout stage in their last two Euros, even getting that far will be a tall order unless they pick up at least one point in Hamburg, as reigning champions Italy await in their final group fixture.
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While Croatia are seasoned campaigners at the Euros, this summer marks only Albania’s second appearance since gaining independence – both coming in the last three editions.
Continuing their dismal record at UEFA’s main event, the Eagles lost 2-1 to holders Italy last weekend, despite Nedim Bajrami scoring a stunning opener after just 23 seconds – the quickest goal in European Championship history.
A loose throw-in was eagerly pounced upon by Bajrami, who then fired a venomous strike into the top corner from a tight angle, but the Azzurri soon bit back, scoring twice by the 16th minute.
Substitute Rey Manaj came close to snatching a late leveller in Dortmund, only to be denied by Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Albania were ultimately beaten and have now lost three of their four matches at major finals.
It was the first competitive defeat since March 2023 for Sylvinho‘s side, ending a seven-game unbeaten streak in such matches: after losing their opening qualifier to Poland they then went without defeat, finishing ahead of both the Poles and Czech Republic.
The Euro 2024 draw was not particularly kind, though, and they have a huge job on their hands to avoid an early exit: even if they pick up a point on Wednesday, the Eagles must meet Spain in a potentially decisive final fixture next week.
Croatia European Championship form:
Croatia form (all competitions):
Albania European Championship form:
Albania form (all competitions):
Team News
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Following his team’s sluggish start to these finals, Zlatko Dalic may make some changes to the XI that lined up against Spain last time out, including a potential return to central defence for Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol.
Marin Pongracic could make way, with Borna Sosa coming in at left-back; despite his lofty reputation, it has been suggested that Marcelo Brozovic might also be dropped, offering a chance for either Luka Sucic or Mario Pasalic to make an impact in midfield.
With Bruno Petkovic receiving his manager’s ire for missing Croatia’s spot-kick on Saturday, the front three is more likely to remain unchanged – particularly as veteran winger Ivan Perisic is still not back to full fitness following a long layoff.
While the Croatian camp has yet to report any fresh injuries, Albania forward Jasir Asani is a major doubt due to an ankle problem. Therefore, Germany-born Arber Hoxha – who plays his club football for Dinamo Zagreb – may be promoted from the bench.
Either Rey Manaj or Chelsea’s Armando Broja should spearhead the Albanian attack, as Sokol Cikalleshi – a regular fixture during qualifying – was omitted from Sylvinho’s squad and subsequently announced his international retirement.
Once again, the central striker’s support comes from Sassuolo schemer Nedim Bajrami, who has recorded at least one goal involvement in each of his last three national team appearances – two goals and two assists.
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
Albania possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Laci, Bajrami, Hoxha; Broja
We say: Croatia 2-1 Albania
The stakes are already high in these nations’ second Group B contest, as defeat would almost certainly mean elimination from Euro 2024.
While they did not impress in their opener, Croatia’s vast experience should see them past a committed Albania side that may well be bound for the exit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.