In this post we are going to discuss Croatia National Football Team Vs Albania National Football Team Lineups for know more about their matches.
Croatia will hope to rebound from their disappointing showing against Spain by improving upon their performance against Albania in their Group B opener, as a defeat could signal their departure from the tournament. They must do better than they did during their previous encounter against them though!
Manaj was in brilliant form as he defeated the first challenge and earned a free-kick, then went past another hurdle to launch his shot.
Croatia XI: Livakovic
As one of Croatia’s key goalkeepers during their run to the 2018 World Cup final, this goalkeeper’s shot-stopping abilities and composure was essential in reaching that stage of competition. Furthermore, his reliability has made him an indispensable presence for numerous clubs across Europe including AC Milan and Bayern Munich.
Jarni was part of Croatia’s “Bronze Generation,” leading them to third place at Euro ’98. A strong and determined defender, he could also provide offensive contributions.
Boban was one of the best forwards in Croatian football history. Combining skill with vision and tenacity, he scored pivotal goals both club and country; although failing to qualify for Euro 2000 he continued playing until retirement; playing as part of 1998 World Cup squad was particularly gratifying for him.
Kramaric
Croatia have little room for error in their final group match against Albania after suffering such a crushing defeat in their opening match against Spain. With fans from both teams in attendance at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg creating a lively environment throughout, a thrilling atmosphere was ensured throughout.
Qazim Laci opened up scoring for Albania in the 11th minute before Andrej Kramaric equalized for Croatia two minutes later in stoppage time, forcing an equalizing draw and keeping Albania alive in hopes of progressing further in this tournament. But an unexpected twist saw Klaus Gjasula deftly turn past himself during stoppage time to secure Albania a draw and preserve their chances of progression further into Group C.
Perisic
Albania, after suffering a narrow defeat against Italy in their opening Euro 2024 Group of Death game, will look to rebound and avoid early elimination from this competition. Sylvinho will rely on direct passes to Jasir Asani and Taulant Seferi along with solid defensive organization in order to create chances against Croatia.
The 2018 World Cup finalists began the group stage with Dominik Livakovic as goalkeeper, while Josko Gvardiol and Lovro Majer anchored their defense alongside Marin Pongracic. Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic formed a midfield trio while Josip Stanisic and Andrej Kramaric provided assistance on attack.
Qazim Laci’s first-half strike gave Albania an insurmountable lead that they never relinquished, yet their hopes of making the last 16 were dashed by Klaus Gjasula’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser. Opta’s supercomputer gave Croatia only 15.8% odds of victory when full-time came around on Wednesday evening.
Susic
After suffering an unexpectedly heavy defeat against Spain in their opening match, Croatia are hoping to recover in their clash against Albania at Volksparkstadion. With an easier group than many anticipated and an easier group stage ahead of them, they hope to kick start Euro 2024 on a positive note at Volksparkstadion.
Croatia dominated possession but failed to create clearcut opportunities during a tight first half, with Modric’s cross finding Gvardiol but his header went wide of the mark; Kovacic found space on the left wing but his low effort was blocked by Ramadani, and Manaj caught another long ball but shot too near Livakovic for goal. Albania came back into play via Hoxha who threaded through Mitaj; after beating one challenge he tried for another before trying a low shot that failed but Livakovic blocked it again!
Modric
Croatia reached the semifinals in two consecutive World Cups and displayed exceptional tenacity during each match, including an epic battle that went all the way through extra time in their final match against France.
Modric has been an instrumental member of this team in recent years, yet now at 37 he must consider his international future. Manager Zlatko Dalic wants him to stay put, while it ultimately rests with Real Madrid midfielder to decide.
As Croatia lack a defensive-minded central midfielder, they will most likely pair Luka Modric and Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic together in midfield – not an ideal pairing as Modric excels when attacking and cutting into the box; additionally, fullbacks Srna and Pranjic will need to assist with crosses into the box which may create gaps that a holding midfielder could fill better.
Gvardiol
Gvardiol has quickly established himself as one of the key members of Croatia’s defense since joining their senior squad in 2019. After making an immediate impact during his Dinamo Zagreb debut and being promoted into their first team the following season, he contributed significantly towards reaching UEFA Youth League quarter-finals as well as being named their Player of the Year.
Gvardiol then moved to Leipzig in 2020 and quickly adjusted to his new environment, despite still being relatively inexperienced in comparison to the Bundesliga. Although occasionally caught out of position by opponents’ quick counter attacks, he quickly recovered quickly to bring possession forward again and lead by example on the pitch.
He can play either at left-back or centre-back and is the ideal defender for Pep Guardiola’s City side, which often switches formation during matches. His versatility plays a crucial role at City.
Juranovic
After five matches out with a strain, defender Paul Dummett returns to the starting lineup and should provide much-needed stability at the back. His presence should provide much-needed respite for an underperforming defence unit.
Albania pushed hard for an equaliser and came close when Hoxha played Daku into scoring position but his effort could not beat Livakovic. Ramadani also attempted a shot but Lovro Majer quickly blocked it to keep them at bay.
Croatia maintained its position at the top of Group B with three points and two victories out of two matches despite conceding late goals, but will need to beat Italy in their final match to advance. Their strong display against them in Hamburg should give them confidence that this can happen and it promises to be an exciting clash against them in Vienna.
Asllani
Croatia will start off against Albania with Real Madrid star Luka Modric leading their starting eleven, likely joined by Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, and Mandzukic.
Etrit Berisha will compete against Brentford’s Thomas Strakosha for the goalkeeper position, while experienced players such as Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj and Ivan Balliu will lead their backline. Nedim Bajrami and Kristjan Asllani are expected to lead midfield slots while Qazim Laci, Mirlind Daku and Rey Manaj may vie for remaining slots.
Albania stands alone among Europe’s teams in having never advanced past the group stage at any major tournament, but that may soon change when hosting Euro 2024. They qualified through a playoff victory over Slovenia in 2016 and will start their Euro campaign on October 12 against Scotland who is fighting relegation from its Nations League group.
Ramadani
After suffering an opening match loss against Spain, Croatia can take solace from outperforming them in terms of xG data and can still secure top spot in Group B with victory here.
Gjasula attempts to atone for his earlier own goal through good work from Hoxha, giving him space in the area and trying his luck at hitting near post but Livakovic reacts well and saves well with an excellent save from Livakovic. End-to-end action as Gjasula attempts to rectify his previous error by shooting for near post but Livakovic makes an excellent save to stop his effort from going in.
Six minutes of extra time remain and an exciting game in Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion is nearing an exciting conclusion. Albania can still make progress if they manage to beat reigning champion Italy on Monday in their final group match – that would mark an extraordinary turnaround after starting so poorly at this tournament.
Manaj
Croatia must win this match and hope Spain and Italy tie if they hope to make it out of Group B. They suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss against Spain in their opener and now must work tirelessly in order to revive their Euro 2024 hopes.
Zlatko Dalic’s side made an encouraging start in Hamburg but ultimately couldn’t topple Luis de la Fuente’s well-drilled outfit. They did display impressive resilience, though; Andrej Kramaric scored and an own goal by Luka Sucic put them in control of proceedings.
Substitute Rey Manaj nearly grabbed a much-needed equaliser for Albania in the closing minute, only for his effort to be saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. With Spain scheduled to visit on Wednesday, Sylvinho’s side must make significant strides forward if they hope to leave Group of Death and reach knockout stage play-offs.
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