UEFA Euro 2024: Is Croatia vs Albania on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
19/06/2024 – UEFA European Championship – (Group Stage – Group B)
Venue: Volksparkstadion
Croatia and Albania will be seeking a much-needed win, after both lost their opening matches. Croatia is currently sitting at the bottom of the table (due to goal difference) so a win – with a healthy scoreline will be their goal. Goal difference could prove to be vital later on – four out of the six teams who finish 3rd in their group will make it through to the Round of 16.
For Albania, securing all three points gives them the potential to move into second place in the groups – (presuming Italy loses to Spain in tomorrow’s other Group B fixture).
If either of these teams lose today, it will be difficult for them to progress to the next round – though not impossible.
Where to watch?
You can watch Croatia vs Albania on ITV, ITVX.
The match kicks-off at 14:00
Match preview
Tipped to secure silverware this summer, Croatia began their seventh European Championship campaign with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Spain in Berlin. Trailing by three goals before halftime, a missed penalty by Bruno Petkovic, who was criticized by his manager for queue-jumping, added to their woes.
Despite 16 shots and an expected goals total of 2.38, Zlatko Dalic’s team failed to score. In Euro 2024’s ‘Group of Death,’ they face a tough road ahead, needing to reverse a decline marked by three defeats in their last five competitive matches, including losses to Turkey and Wales. Croatia has not lost consecutive games in a single finals since Euro 1996, and they must avoid doing so against Albania, whom they meet for the first time at the senior international level.
Croatia, eliminated in the first knockout stage of the last two Euros, must earn at least a point in Hamburg to have a chance, with reigning champions Italy awaiting in their final group match.
Albania, making their second Euro appearance, started with a 2-1 loss to Italy despite Nedim Bajrami’s record-breaking goal in the 23rd second. Italy quickly responded, scoring twice by the 16th minute. Substitute Rey Manaj almost equalized late but was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma. This loss ended Albania’s seven-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches since March 2023.
With a tough Euro 2024 draw, Albania faces an uphill battle to avoid early elimination. Even if they earn a point against Croatia, they must play Spain in their final group fixture.
Team News
Following Croatia’s sluggish start to the tournament, coach Zlatko Dalic may make changes to the lineup that faced Spain. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol could return to central defense, replacing Marin Pongracic, while Borna Sosa may come in at left-back. There is speculation that Marcelo Brozovic could be dropped, allowing Luka Sucic or Mario Pasalic a chance in midfield.
Despite playing only 65 minutes, captain Luka Modric made the most line-breaking passes (13) in the last match and remains crucial to the team. The front three are expected to stay the same, with Bruno Petkovic likely retaining his spot despite missing a penalty, as veteran winger Ivan Perisic is still not fully fit. Torino forward Nikola Vlasic will miss the rest of the tournament due to a muscle tear sustained in training.
Albania’s Jasir Asani, initially a doubt due to an ankle issue, has been cleared to play. Germany-born Arber Hoxha, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb, will likely remain a substitute. The Albanian attack will be led by either Rey Manaj or Chelsea’s Armando Broja, as Sokol Cikalleshi was omitted from the squad and announced his international retirement.
Support for the central striker will come from Nedim Bajrami, who has been in excellent form with at least one goal involvement in his last three national team appearances and three goals during qualifying.
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
Albania possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Laci, Bajrami, Asani; Broja
Predictions
As defeat would almost certainly mean elimination from Euro 2024, the stakes are already very high in these teams’ second Group B contest, sure to be played in front of a passionate crowd at Volksparkstadion. While they failed to impress in their opener, Croatia’s vast experience should see them past a committed Albania side that may well be bound for the exit. Croatia 2-1 Albania – (Sportsmole)
Croatia looked sluggish and, putting it candidly, old on Matchday 1. While their technical brilliance will allow them to control games, Albania’s vigour and grit could overwhelm Dalic’s seasoned outfit in Hamburg. This is a difficult contest for the favourites, and Albania may do enough to earn a point. Croatia 1-1 Albania – (90Min)
The result of each opening game suggests this match will be closer than many would have originally predicted, though Croatia should still have enough quality, especially in midfield, to grab a vital three points. Croatia 2-1 Albania – (Independent)
