Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has made three changes for today’s Euro 2024 showdown against Albania.
The World Cup specialists were emphatically brushed aside by Spain in their Group B opener in Berlin on Saturday evening, trailing 3-0 at half-time courtesy of goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal.
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It was a dismal start in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ for Croatia, who will be desperate for victory against Albania in Hamburg this afternoon, with defending champions Italy lying in wait next week.
Dalic could certainly not be blamed for freshening things up in what looks like a potentially must-win game on paper, with plenty of options available in his experienced squad.
Josip Juranovic comes into the defence, with Ivan Perisic and Bruno Petkovic also handed starts. Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic and Ante Budimir all drop to the bench.
In stark contrast to Croatia, Albania gave a strong account of themselves in a losing effort on Saturday, scoring the earliest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy in Dortmund thanks to Nedim Bajrami before Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella quickly hit back for the Azzurri.
Manager Sylvinho is likely seeking a more attacking approach against Croatia after seeing them exploited so badly by Spain, with Albania also needing to win here realistically with the confident Spanish coming up in their final group game on Monday.
Sparta Prague’s Qazim Laci and Rey Manaj are both drafted in on Wednesday, with Taulant Seferi and Chelsea’s out-of-form striker Armando Broja dropping out. Jasir Asani has shaken off an ankle knock to keep his place.
Brentford’s Thomas Strakosha continues in goal, with Lazio defender Elseid Hysaj his nation’s most important player, though he has received criticism and since apologised for his role in failing to stop Barella’s winning goal for Italy.
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Majer, Petkovic, Kramaric
Subs: Stanisic, Pongracic, Erlic, Labrovic, Mario Pasalic, Budimir, Ivanusec, Sosa, Pjaca, Vida, Ivusic, Marco Pasalic, Sucic, Baturina
Albania XI: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Ramadani, Asllani, Asani, Bajrami, Laci, Manaj
Subs: Etrit Berisha, Balliu, Gjasula, Broja, Kastrati, Mihaj, Seferi, Medon Berisha, Muci, Ismajli, Daku, Abrashi, Kumbulla, Aliji, Hoxha
Time and date: 2pm BST on Wednesday June 19, 2024
Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
TV channel: ITV1
