Croatia vs Albania Prediction: Expert Analysis and Match Preview
Croatia hopes to recover from a tough first-round loss to Spain by winning their next match, They face Albania at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Wednesday in Euro 2024.
Recent Performance: Croatia vs Albania
Croatia has been in good form recently, winning five of their last seven matches, drawing one, and losing one. In contrast, Albania has struggled, with three losses in their last five games.
Goal Difference Crucial for Croatia
Croatia needs to improve their goal difference after a 3-0 loss to Spain on matchday one. Albania, on the other hand, has been prolific, scoring at least three goals in their last five matches. Despite Croatia’s strong knockout phase performance in the European Championship, they need to prove their worth as favorites in this event. Zlatko Dalic’s side reached the World Cup semi-finals twice in succession but had a poor defensive performance against Spain, conceding three goals in the first half.
Albania’s Promising Start and Setback
Albania had an impressive start against Italy, scoring one of the most memorable goals in the 64-year history of the European Championship. However, Sylvinho’s team quickly conceded two goals, losing their first game 2-1 to the Azzurri.
Croatia vs Albania Predicted Line-ups and Team News
Croatia’s Possible Adjustments
Zlatko Dalic might make changes to the team that lost to Spain. Martin Erlic could replace Josip Sutalo, who made significant errors in the opening game. Ivan Perisic is another potential starter on the left-wing after a strong second-half performance against Spain.
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic – Stanisic, Erlic, Pongracic, Gvardiol – Modric, Kovacic, Brozovic – Majer, Kramaric, Perisic
Albania’s Stable Line-up
Sylvinho is likely to stick with the team that played against Italy, as there are few reasons to make changes.
Albania (4-3-3): Strakosha – Hysaj, Djimsiti, Ajeti, Mitaj – Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami – Asani, Broja, Seferi
Croatia’s Must-Win Scenario
Croatia’s defense was disorganized on matchday one, while their attack tested the Spanish defense, especially in the second half. A loss to Spain ended Croatia’s run of five wins and one draw in their last six games. Dalic’s team cannot afford anything less than a victory against Albania, especially with a match against Italy looming in the third round.
Albania’s Challenge
Albania performed well against Italy, but coach Sylvinho stressed the importance of their presence in major tournaments. However, with three losses in their last five games, Albania is unlikely to make a significant impact against a stronger Croatian team.
Croatia vs Albania Betting Predictions and Goals Focus
Goal difference could be decisive in the competition for the top two spots. Croatia will aim to score as many goals as possible on Wednesday. Betting on a Croatian win with a -1.5 Asian Handicap at odds of 2.30 is a solid option. Additionally, focusing on over 2.5 goals is promising. At least three goals have been scored in Croatia’s last four matches, including a 2-1 friendly win against Portugal. Similarly, Albania’s last five matches have seen at least three goals.
