Both Croatia and Albania suffered defeat in their opening matches of Euro 2024 so both will be desperate to secure a win on matchday two.
Croatia's Struggle to Reclaim Form:
Croatia entered Euro 2024 with high expectations but stumbled out of the gates with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain. Zlatko Dalic's men, known for their tournament pedigree, faced a daunting task against the reigning UEFA Nations League champions. Despite dominating possession and firing 16 shots, Croatia failed to find the back of the net, highlighting their inefficiency in front of goal. The missed penalty by Bruno Petkovic compounded their woes, leaving them with a mountain to climb in Group B's 'Group of Death'. With three losses in their last five competitive outings, including setbacks in qualifying against Turkey and Wales, Croatia cannot afford another slip-up against Albania. They must quickly regroup to avoid a repeat of their early exit in Euro 1996, as they prepare to face regional rivals Albania for the first time in senior international football.
Albania's Brave Effort Falls Short:
Albania's Euro 2024 campaign started with promise but ended in disappointment as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against defending champions Italy. Nedim Bajrami's historic goal, the quickest in European Championship history, offered a glimpse of hope for Sylvinho's side. However, defensive lapses allowed Italy to strike back swiftly, leaving Albania trailing early in the match. Despite Rey Manaj's late attempt to level the score being denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, Albania couldn't salvage a point in Dortmund. Their recent form had been solid, with a seven-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches coming to an end. Yet, with three losses in four major finals appearances, Albania faces an uphill battle to progress beyond the group stage. Their encounter with Croatia presents a crucial opportunity to bounce back and keep their Euro 2024 hopes alive, especially with a daunting fixture against Spain looming large.
Summarize:
Both Croatia and Albania find themselves in a precarious position after their opening defeats in Euro 2024 Group B. Croatia, aiming to recover from a heavy loss to Spain, must rediscover their scoring touch against Albania to stay competitive in the tournament. Meanwhile, Albania, buoyed by Nedim Bajrami's early heroics against Italy, need a positive result against Croatia to keep their knockout stage aspirations alive. With each team desperate for points, their clash in Hamburg promises to be a fiercely contested affair with significant implications for their Euro 2024 journey.
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Albania
Croatia vs Albania stream and TV listing
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