As the Euro Cup 2024 continues, Croatia and Albania are set to clash in a highly anticipated match. Croatia aims to recover from recent losses, while Albania looks to make a strong impression in their European Championship debut. Hereโs a detailed analysis of key statistics, team performances, head-to-head records, and predictions for this exciting encounter.
Key Stats & Insights
- Croatia has outperformed Albania in their last five matches.
- Albania has historically performed better than Croatia in UEFA Euro competitions.
- Albaniaโs loss to Italy on Matchday 1 was their first competitive defeat since March 2023, ending a seven-game unbeaten run.
- Croatia has lost three of their last five competitive matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Spain in their Euro 2024 opener.
Team Form and Performance
Croatia โ Last 10 Competitive Games
Croatia has secured 6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 2.0 goals per game from 14.2 attempts and 6.5 shots on target. They maintain 60.0% possession and earn 5.2 corners per match. Defensively, they concede 1.3 goals per game from 9.1 attempts and 3.4 shots on target.
Top scorer: Andrej Kramaric (4 goals), followed by Mario Pasalic and Bruno Petkovic (3 goals each). Luka Ivanusec, Ivan Perisic, and Mario Pasalic each have 2 assists. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic has kept 4 clean sheets.
Albania โ Last 10 Competitive Games
Albania has 4 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws, averaging 1.4 goals per game from 9.3 attempts and 3.5 shots on target. They maintain 51.8% possession, earn 3.8 corners per match, and concede 0.7 goals per game from 8.9 attempts and 3.6 shots on target.
Top scorers: Nedim Bajrami (4 goals), Jasir Asani (3 goals), and Taulant Seferi (2 goals). Ylber Ramadani, Jasir Asani, and Myrto Uzuni each have 2 assists. Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha has kept 2 clean sheets.
Head-to-Head Records
This match will be the first competitive encounter between Croatia and Albania. Historically, Albania has struggled in their initial meetings with new opponents, winning just one of their last 10 such matches. Croatia, with four wins in their last six matches across all competitions, will look to capitalize on this trend.
Player Form and Availability
Croatia
Head Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Nediljko Labrovic
- Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Lovro Majer
- Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir
Albania
Head Coach: Sylvinho
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeepers: Elhan Kastrati, Etrit Berisha, Thomas Strakosha
- Defenders: Elseid Hysaj, Berat Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Mario Mitaj
- Midfielders: Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Nedim Bajrami, Taulant Seferi
- Forwards: Armando Broja, Jasir Asani
Market Analysis (Odds)
Croatia is the clear favorite with odds of 1.45, translating to a 69% chance of victory. Albania, as the underdog, has odds of 7.00. The Total Goals market indicates a close contest between Under and Over 2.5 Goals. Betting on Both Teams to Score (No) is priced at 1.67.
Predictions
Croatia is expected to generate numerous scoring opportunities against Albania, who may struggle to find the net. Our prediction is a 3-1 win for Croatia.
This analysis provides comprehensive insights into team performances, key players, head-to-head records, and betting odds, offering fans and bettors valuable information for the Euro Cup 2024 match between Croatia and Albania.