As Euro 2024 heats up, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this Group B showdown between Croatia and Albania. Both teams are vying for crucial points after their contrasting starts to the tournament. Croatia, reeling from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Spain, will look to bounce back and reaffirm their status as one of Europe’s elite.
Meanwhile, Albania, who made headlines by scoring the quickest goal in Euro finals history against Italy, will be eager to prove that their impressive run of form was no fluke. With history, form, and pride on the line, this match promises to be a captivating encounter that could define the fortunes of both sides in the competition.
Pre-Match Overview
The stage is set for an intriguing Group B clash as Croatia faces Albania in what could be a pivotal encounter for both teams. Croatia, currently ranked #10 by FIFA, is reeling from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening group game. This loss marks their third defeat in the last five competitive matches (W2), a stark contrast to their previous form, where they only suffered three defeats in 29 games (W16, D10). Despite this setback, the broader perspective is more optimistic for Zlatko Dalić’s men. The defeat against Spain was Croatia’s first in seven outings (90 minutes: W5, D1) and the first time they conceded 3+ goals since the World Cup semi-final in 2022. Historically, Croatia hasn’t lost consecutive games at the same major tournament since Euro 1996, a positive omen they can draw inspiration from ahead of this must-win game against Albania.
Croatia’s Redemption Quest
For Croatia, a fast start is imperative. They have only managed to come from behind to win a game in 90 minutes once since their second group game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The presence of veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, who has three goal involvements in his last three international appearances (G1, A2), will be crucial. Modrić has a history of stepping up in major tournaments, having netted at least once in three of the four Euro tournaments he’s participated in. His leadership and experience could be the key factors in turning the tide for Croatia.
Albania’s Resilience
Albania began their group stage campaign with a bang, scoring the quickest-ever goal at a Euro finals in just 23 seconds against Italy. However, despite this historic start, they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat to the holders. This loss ended their seven-game unbeaten run in competitive fixtures (W4, D3). Nonetheless, Albania has shown resilience and the ability to challenge higher-ranked teams, having twice beaten nations ranked higher than them by FIFA in the qualifiers. Although they haven’t beaten a top ten team since their victory against France in June 2015, their current form, led by Nedim Bajrami with four goal involvements (G2, A2) in his last three appearances, suggests they shouldn’t be underestimated.
Key Battle: Modrić vs Bajrami
The spotlight will be on the midfield maestros, Luka Modrić and Nedim Bajrami. Modrić, with his wealth of experience and crucial contributions in major tournaments, will be up against Bajrami, whose recent performances have been nothing short of stellar. Bajrami has been pivotal for Albania, scoring the opening goal in their last two matches and contributing significantly to their attacking play. This individual duel could very well dictate the flow and outcome of the game.
Hot Stat
Albania has won just one of their last ten matches when facing an opponent for the very first time (D5, L4). This statistic might give Croatia a psychological edge as they aim to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.
Prediction
Considering the historical resilience of Croatia and their need for a quick bounce-back, combined with Albania’s spirited performances and recent form, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. A fast start will be crucial for both teams, and the individual brilliance of Modrić and Bajrami will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome. Expect a tightly fought battle, with Croatia edging out a narrow victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.
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