Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Croatia could line up for Wednesday’s Euro 2024 clash with Albania.
Already under serious pressure ahead of their second Group B fixture, Croatia could make changes following last week’s defeat to Spain in their Euro 2024 opener.
Losing to Albania on Wednesday would almost certainly mean elimination, so long-serving coach Zlatko Dalic may tinker with his starting XI.
After conceding three goals inside the first half against La Roja, the Croatian defence is ripe for change, so Martin Erlic might be introduced in place of Marin Pongracic, or Josko Gvardiol could be switched inside from full-back.
The latter move would see Ajax defender Borna Sosa start on the left; Josip Stanisic is expected to hold off the challenge of Josip Juranovic on the right.
Meanwhile, in midfield, Marcelo Brozovic is apparently at risk of losing his place alongside Mateo Kovacic and captain Luka Modric, with some reports in the Croatian media suggesting that either Mario Pasalic or young Luka Sucic will be selected instead.
Although his team failed to convert any of their 16 shots on Saturday – including a Bruno Petkovic penalty, which was saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon – Dalic is less likely to revamp his front line in Hamburg.
Averaging just under one goal every three games at international level, Andrej Kramaric is set to support Ante Budimir in attack, with Lovro Majer seeing off competition from Luka Ivanusec on the other side.
Hadjuk Split winger Ivan Perisic – vice-captain to Modric at these Euros – appeared from the bench last weekend but is still not fit enough to last 90 minutes; the former Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur player suffered a serious knee injury last year.
Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
> Click here to see how Albania could line up for this Group B contest
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