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Croatia vs Albania Predictions & Tips – Croatia to Bounce Back in Euro 2024

Vedran Ostojic

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Last updated: 17 Jun 2024

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Vedran Ostojic 17 Jun 2024

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Croatia had 2.24 expected goals against Spain but failed to score
Croatia aims to boost playoff chances with a win against Albania on Wednesday
Albania is behind in experience and quality compared to Croatia

Expired

Croatia have won 3 of their last 4 matches (Getty)

Croatia vs Albania Preview

Despite their strong start, Albania lost their opening match to Italy having just one shot on target. Croatia, on the other hand, deserved a better outcome than their 3-0 loss to Spain on Saturday. I expect Blazers to return to winning ways in Hamburg.

Croatia vs Albania Preview
Head to Head
Croatia Form
Croatia Squad & Team News
Albania Form
Albania Squad & Team News

Croatia have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Albania have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
Albania failed to score in 3 of their last 6 matches.

Head to Head

This is going to be the first head to head match between Croatia and Albania.

Croatia Form

Croatia were overrun by Spain 3-0 in their Euro 2024 opening match on Saturday, conceding all three goals in the first half. Bruno Petkovic failed to score a consolation goal, missing a penalty kick in 80th minute.

The Blazers ended their clash against the Red Fury with 2.27-2.11 expected goals, 53% possession and 16-11 shots but failed to find the net, Ante Budimir and Josip Stanisic wasting big opportunities.

Croatia made an impressive appearance in Lisbon last week, defeating the favored Portugal 2-1. Luka Modric scoring a penalty in the first half, and Ante Budimir scored the winning goal in the second half.

Zlatko Dalic’s side also beat North Macedonia 3-0 earlier this month, with Lovro Majer scoring the opening two goals in Rijeka and Mario Pasalic netting off the bench.

Croatia Squad & Team News

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Nediljko Labrović, Ivica Ivušić

Defenders: Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Joško Gvardiol, Martin Erlić, Josip Šutalo, Borna Sosa, Domagoj Vida, Josip Juranović

Midfielders: Lovro Majer, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović, Nikola Vlašić, Mario Pašalić, Luka Ivanušec, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina

Forwards: Andrej Kramarić, Ivan Perišić, Ante Budimir, Bruno Petković, Marko Pjaca, Marco Pašalić

Dominik Kotarski, Borna Barišić, Duje Ćaleta-Car and Kristijan Jakić were left out of the squad.

Andrej Kramarić has scored 28 goals in 94 appearances.

Albania Form

Albania had a dream start in their Euro opening match against Italy on Saturday, with Nedim Bajrami scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds of play. However, they couldn't maintain their lead, conceding twice between the 10th and 13th minutes, ultimately losing the match 2-1.

The Red and Blacks were successful in their June international friendlies, earning two straight victories against Liechtenstein 3-0 and Azerbaijan 3-1, Bajrami contributing with one goal and two assists.

Albania struggled in their March friendlies though where they suffered back to back defeats against Chile 3-0 and Sweden 1-0.

Albania Squad & Team News

Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha, Elhan Kastrati, Thomas Strakosha

Defenders: Iván Balliu, Mario Mitaj, Elseid Hysaj , Arlind Ajeti, Berat Gjimshiti (captain), Enea Mihaj, Ardian Ismajli, Marash Kumbulla, Naser Aliji

Midfielders: Klaus Gjasula, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laçi, Medon Berisha, Ernest Muçi, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, Amir Abrashi

Forwards: Rey Manaj, Jasir Asani, Armando Broja, Taulant Seferi, Mirlind Daku, Arbër Hoxha

Arbnor Muçolli is injured.

Armando Sadiku was not called up. Sokol Cikalleshi retired from the national team in March.

Verdict

Croatia v Albania

Croatia had 2.24 expected goals against Spain on Saturday but failed to score. Albania are behind in terms of experience and quality so I expect Blazers to boost their playoff chances with a win on Wednesday.

Croatia Win

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Croatia Win 1-0

Correct Score

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