Croatia vs Albania Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

As Luka Modric & Co prepares to face Albania in their upcoming Euro 2024 group stage match, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams and our European football expert, Daniele Fisichella, has prepared Croatia vs Albania prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Croatia’s campaign began with a sobering defeat at the hands of Spain. For Albania, an historic early goal in their game against Italy was overshadowed by a struggle to maintain momentum. Below is a look at how the game might unfold. 

• Croatia vs Albania Tip 1: Croatia Asian Handicap -1
• Croatia vs Albania Tip 2: First Half Goal Line: Over 1 (Asian)
• Croatia vs Albania Tip 3: Ante Budimir Anytime Goalscorer

Croatia vs Albania Prediction 1: Croats will bounce back

Euro 2024, Wednesday, June 19th, 14:00 (UK)

Before their 3-0 defeat to Spain, Croatia had been unbeaten in their previous six games. 

Their most recent result, a 2-1 win over Portugal in a friendly, hinted that the Balkan’s ‘golden generation’ might have one last hurrah left in them.

However, their performance on Sunday against La Roja highlighted significant vulnerabilities. Despite valiant efforts from Joško Gvardiol and Ante Budimir, who forced Unai Simón into making crucial saves, Croatia’s midfield—ostensibly their strongest asset—was significantly outplayed.

Croatia’s defense, usually reliable, was repeatedly breached by Spain’s well-executed attacks. Although there were promising moments, including a penalty awarded when Rodri fouled Bruno Petković, Simón’s save from the spot-kick compounded Croatia’s frustration. 

Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović, and Mateo Kovačić, usually the linchpins of Croatia’s strategy, struggled to contain Spain’s dynamic play. The midfield trio was overwhelmed, and head coach Zlatko Dalić made the surprising decision to substitute Modrić and Kovačić after 65 minutes, in order to preserve them for this decisive match against Albania.

This defeat marked only the third time Croatia has failed to score in their last 15 Euro group stage matches.

• Croatia vs Albania Prediction 1: Croatia Asian Handicap -1 (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.89
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 9/10

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Croatia vs Albania Prediction 2: Albania set a record, but then struggled

Albania made headlines with Nedim Bajrami scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history at just 23 seconds against Italy. However, their inability to maintain early momentum and composure quickly became apparent. Despite a strong start, Albania was unable to sustain their performance, and their early promise was nullified.

Albania’s goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha, played a crucial role in keeping the scoreline respectable, preventing what could have been a larger defeat. A late chance to equalize for Rey Manaj provided glimmers of hope for Albania’s supporters.

Despite the loss, Albania has reasons for optimism. 

They have shown resilience and determination, which will be crucial in this second match. They’ve been the surprise package of Euro qualifiers, but now, on the bigger stage, Silvinho’s men must find a way to sustain their intensity throughout the match. In the last three years, Albania has only been heavily defeated once (5-0 by England), but its resilience against the top sides is still untested. 

However, the spirited performances against Italy, and the fact they remained in the game till the very end, indicate that they are capable of causing an upset if given the chance.

Croatia’s solid defensive organization and midfield prowess, if rediscovered, could effectively contain Albania’s attacks. Albania’s ability to upset Italy early suggests they will not go down without a fight.

• Croatia vs Albania Prediction 2: First Half Goal Line: Over 1 (Asian) (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.97
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

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Croatia vs Albania Prediction 3: back La Liga hit-man

Both Croatia and Albania enjoy strong support in Germany. The passionate fans of both nations will undoubtedly create a vibrant and electric atmosphere, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.

The pressure is all on the Croats, who need to rediscover their form, especially in midfield, and be able to control the tempo and dictate play against Albania. In defence, Croatia must tighten up and learn from the lapses that allowed Spain to breach their lines repeatedly. Gvardiol, a standout performer, will be crucial in organizing the backline and ensuring greater solidity.

Given Croatia’s overall stronger squad and higher ranking, despite their recent defeat, betting on a Croatia win seems prudent. Their quality, coupled with the need to bounce back after the defeat, positions them as strong favourites. 

The resilience shown against Spain and their potential lineup adjustments can tip the balance in their favour. Croatia’s previous game registered 27 shots, and with both teams having something to prove, a high-scoring game is likely.

Ante Budimir was dangerous against Spain and will likely feature up front against Albania. 

Betting on him to score anytime during the match can be a good value bet, given this season he’s netted 18 times for Osasuna. 

• Croatia vs Albania Prediction 3: Ante Budimir Anytime Goalscorer (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 3.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10

Croatia vs Albania Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, June 17th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

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Croatia vs Albania Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups

No surprises are expected for Croatia’s starting XI, despite Zlatko Dalić’s potential shake-up following their 3-0 defeat. Luka Sučić might replace Marcelo Brozović for a more attacking midfield. Joško Gvardiol could shift to central defense with Borna Sosa taking his position as left-back. Up front, Ante Budimir is set to lead the attack, with Andrej Kramarić likely on the left wing.

For Albania, Berat Djimsiti and Ajeti will anchor the central defense, flanked by Elseid Hysaj and Mario Mitaj, with Thomas Strakosha in goal. Midfield options include Ylber Ramadani and Kristian Asllani as likely starters, alongside Jasir Asani.

Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosal; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Pasalic; Budimir, Kramaric.

Albania possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Djimsiti, Ajeti, Mitaj; Asani, Asllani, Ramadani, Seferi; Bajrami; Broja.

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Euro 2024 Match Stats: Croatia’s penalties wobbles continue

• Over the past two years in international matches, Croatia has scored 22 goals (1.7 per game), and Albania has conceded 11 goals (0.8 per game).
• Croatia have only failed to score once in the last 15 group matches at the Euros
• Excluding shootouts, Croatia have failed to convert three of their last five penalty attempts at major international tournaments 
• Against Spain Croatia suffered their joint-heaviest ever defeat at a major international tournament, following 3-0 losses against Portugal at Euro 1996 and Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
• Albania have now lost three of their four matches at the Euros (W1), though have scored in each of their last two games in the competition after failing to do so in their opening two games in 2016.

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Croatia Group B Euro 2024 Fixtures: next stop Leipzig

• Vs Italy (MD3)

Albania Group B Euro 2024 Fixtures: La Roja in Düsseldorf

• Vs Spain (MD3)

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