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Croatia and Albania will face off in Hamburg as both sides look to grab their first points of Euro 2024.
Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia team were deservedly beaten by Spain in their opening game, with a disappointing display leading to a 3-0 loss, but their recent overachievements in tournament football mean that their spirits won’t be too dampened by that result.
The Croatians, led by 38-year-old Luka Modric, will be fully aware that three points against their Balkan neighbours will stand them in good stead to qualify in second or even third place in Group B.
Albania, who are fresh of scoring the quickest goal in European Championship history, will have gained some confidence from their performance against Italy, and the competition’s second-lowest ranked team will hope to spring a surprise against their esteemed opponents.
Follow all the latest news and match action in our live blog below, as well as the build-up to Germany vs Hungary and Scotland vs Switzerland:
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Perisic delivers the cross and the header away only falls to Modric on the edge of the box. Croatia work it across to the right and it’s Juranovic to swing in the cross this time, but it’s headed behind for a goal kick.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:44
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Brozovic with another effort that goes off-target, and moments later Gvardiol is dispossessed on the edge of the Albania box.
Albania are doing a great job of frustrating Croatia, keeping possession well in their half and winning clever free-kicks.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:41
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Strakosha does well to push away the cross from Modric, and then Mitaj does brilliantly to beat the first challenge, carry it out and then win the free-kick.
They counter with the long ball over the top again, but Manaj can’t bring it down as it comes over his shoulder.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:38
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Sutalo is the latest defender to do well to cut out the Albania through ball. So much space in the Croatian midfield, it’s like watching Manchester United.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:37
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Croatia are being stifled here as we pass the half-hour mark. Albania have scored and created the best chance since the goal too.
The World Cup semi-finalists are lacking a cutting-edge so far.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:36
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
CLOSE! So close to a second for Albania.
They counter after Modric gives it away in midfield. Asllani is making the run towards goal and it’s threaded through to him, but the midfielder hits it too close to Livakovic after trying to give him the eyes and slot it in at the near post.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:34
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Almost a great chance for Albania! It’s almost a carbon copy of the goal, as Asani whips it in and Laci has got in between the centre-backs, but it’s headed away.
It falls to Hysaj on the edge of the box, but he can’t keep his half-volley on target.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:31
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Brilliant play from Manaj as he manages to take the ball down and then win a free-kick under pressure from Sutalo.
Nothing comes from the free-kick, before Ramadani wins a throw deep into the Croatia half. Some respite for Albania.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:29
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Majer swings in an early cross from the right and Petkovic has ghosted between the two defenders, but he can only direct his header over the bar.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:27
Euro 2024: Croatia 0-1 Albania
Croatia are pressing very high in their attempts to get an equaliser; a little bit more quality and Albania would’ve been clean through on more than one occasion.
It’s Croatia with all the possession at the moment though. 66 per cent of it to be exact.
Chris Wilson19 June 2024 14:25
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