Croatia faces Albania in a must-win UEFA Euro 2024 group-stage match on Wednesday. Both teams suffered defeats in their opening campaign and a loss in this match could confirm their exit from the competition.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winners suffered a crushing 3-0 loss to Spain on Saturday, conceding all three goals in the first half. They did not concede a goal in the second half. Bruno Petkovic scored from the rebound after Unai Simon saved his opening penalty kick.
Ivan Perisic, who assisted from the rebound, ran into the penalty box before taking the kick-off and VAR disallowed the goal for a tackle.
Team news
After his team’s slow start to these finals, Zlatko Dalic may make some changes to the XI that last faced Spain, including a potential return to central defense for Manchester City star Josko Guardiola.
Marin Pongracic could drop back, Borna Sosa started at left-back; despite his lofty reputation, there has been speculation that Marcelo Brozovic could also drop out, offering a chance for either Luka Sucic or Mario Pasalic to establish themselves in midfield.
With Bruno Petkovic receiving the wrath of his manager for missing a Croatian spot-kick on Saturday, it is more likely that the front three will remain unchanged – especially with veteran winger Ivan Perisic still not back to full fitness after a long lay-off.
While the Croatian camp has yet to announce any fresh injuries, Albanian forward Jasir Asani is a major doubt due to an ankle problem. German-born Arber Hodža, who plays his club football for Dinamo Zagreb, may therefore be promoted from the bench.
Either Rey Manaj or Chelsea’s Armando Broja should spearhead the Albanian attack as Sokol Cikalleshi – a regular fixture during qualifying – was left out of Sylvinh’s squad and subsequently announced his international retirement.
Central forward support once again comes from Sassuolo planner Nedim Bajrami, who has scored at least one goal in each of his last three international matches – two goals and two assists.
Croatia’s possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
Albania’s possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Laci, Bajrami, Hoxha; Broja
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