Croatia v Albania Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024

Preview

• Tournament: Euro 2024
• Date: Wednesday, June 19
• Kick-off Time: 02:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Volksparkstadion, Germany

Croatia national football team will make their sixth European Championship tournament appearance when they take on the Albania national football team in their first Group B game at the Volksparkstadion. Croatia will be desperate to secure a win to avoid elimination.

Croatia national football team will aim for a positive outcome on Wednesday despite losing 3-0 in their opening game against Spain. Zlatko Dalic’s side conceded all three goals in the first half and will need to reset to compete for the qualifying spot. They have been drawn alongside Albania, Italy and Spain. Surprisingly, Croatia has suffered four defeats in their last six European Championships and have once again struggled to replicate their World Cup form in this competition.

Meanwhile, the Albania national football team are one of the surprising packages in Euro 2024 when they scored the fastest goal in the competition’s history. This is only their second biggest tournament on the international stage and they now have a job on their hands to secure the crucial three points. The Eagles have shown glimpses of potential but will have to deliver now when it matters the most.

Also Read: Germany vs Hungary Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024

Croatia vs Albania Team News

Croatia national football team news

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol could return to central defence after the team’s sluggish start in the Euros. Manager Zlatko Dalic will make a few more changes after Marcelo Brozovic is dropped to the bench. Either Luka Sucic or Mario Pasalic could make their way into the midfield.

Albania national football team news

Albania, on the other hand, is presently led by manager Sylvinho. Albania forward Jasir Asani is a major doubt with his ankle issue. Sivasspor forward Rey Manaj is knocking the door for a start in this game.

Predicted Lineups

Croatia national football team Predicted lineup:

Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric

Albania national football team Predicted lineup:

Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Laci, Bajrami, Hoxha; Broja

Head-to-Head

The two sides are facing each other for the first time on the international stage.

Key Players to Watch out for

Luka Modric

The Croatia midfielder will likely be playing his last major tournament on the international stage. He became the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to feature in five different editions of the European Championships. Modric, who will turn 39 this September, has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid. Modric has helped his national side reach the World Cup final in 2018 where they lost to France and secured a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup.

Armando Broja

The Chelsea striker is one of the first names on the teamsheet despite the youngster’s struggle for minutes at his boyhood club. Broja was sent out on loan in the 2024 January transfer window to Fulham where he failed to start a single Premier League fixture. He could still do some damage for Albania against Croatia on Wednesday.

Croatia vs Albania Prediction

The Croatia national football team sustained a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in their opening group fixture. They endured a tough start to the Euro 2024 campaign and a loss in this match might confirm their elimination from the competition. The World Cup specialists will be desperate for a victory against Albania and it looks like a must-win game for Zlatko Dalic’s men.

Albania national football team, meanwhile, also started their campaign with a loss despite scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history in just 23 seconds against Italy. Their celebration was short-lived when the Euro 2020 campaign found the back of the net twice in the first two minutes of the game to seal the game. Just like Croatia. this game is a must-win for the Albania national football team.

Predicted Score: Croatia 2-0 Albania 

Where to Watch Croatia vs Albania Live?

Q. Where to watch Croatia vs Albania live in India?

The Croatia vs Albania game will be televised on Sony Network/SonyLiv.

Q. Where to watch Croatia vs Albania live game in UK?

The game between Croatia and Albania will be live on Channel 4 in UK.

Q. Where to watch Croatia vs Albania in USA?

The match between Croatia and Albania will be available on FOX Sports.

Q. Where to watch the Croatia vs Albania game in Croatia?

The Croatia vs Albania will be live on HRT Croatia for Croatia fans.

Q. Where to watch Croatia vs Albania live in Albania?

The Croatia vs Albania game will be available on TV Klan for Albania fans.

Also Read: A tactical preview for Croatia National Football Team playing in EURO 2024