Euro 2024 Round 2: Croatia vs Albania Betting Breakdown & Top Picks
The second round of Euro 2024 group stage fixtures gets underway with Croatia and Albania looking to win their first match. Can Croatia’s experience at this level exploit Albania’s defensive struggles?
Croatia vs Albania Match Information
- Match: Croatia (0-0-1) vs Albania (0-0-1)
- Location: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany
- Day/Time: Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m. ET
- Croatia vs Albania Live Stream: Fubo.tv
Croatia vs Albania Betting Odds
Croatia and Albania slipped to opening defeats in Group B at Euro 2024. Croatia was thumped 3-0 by Spain, while Albania was edged 2-1 by Italy despite scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history to go ahead after 23 seconds.
I’m not expecting any surprises from Croatia’s team, even if Zlatko Dalic may look to shake things up after the defeat by Spain. This could mean Luka Sucic coming in for Marcelo Brozovic to create a more attacking midfield lineup.
As for Albania, expect Sylvinho to make some changes as Qazim Laci and Rey Manaj will probably start, which means Taulant Seferi and Armando Broja will be on the bench.
Croatia vs Albania Betting Trends
- Croatia has kept clean sheets in four of their last seven matches.
- Both teams have scored in only two of Albania’s last six games.
- Albania has won only two matches in 2024.
- Ivan Perisic has scored 33 goals for Croatia.
- Albania won just one of their last 10 matches against an opponent they meet for the very first time.
- Veteran Luka Modric has three goal involvements in his last three international appearances.
Croatia ATS a Smart Bet vs Albania
Croatia was easily beaten by Spain 3-0 in what was a disappointing performance from Zlatko Dalic’s men. Spain scored three times in the opening 45 minutes to practically end any hopes of a Croatia comeback.
Croatia will surely put in a much better performance on Wednesday in a match that they will feel is a must-win if they are to progress any further in Germany.
Croatia has kept clean sheets in four of their last seven matches in all competitions, shutting out Latvia, Armenia, Tunisia, and North Macedonia and they can add Albania to that list.
Croatia isn’t able to generate offense against good defensive teams but they can easily win against a team like Albania. I expect them to cover the -1 spread on Wednesday priced at -130 according to the latest soccer odds.
Betting on Croatia’s Muscle Over Albania’s Counter
Croatia scored more than two goals only twice in their last 10 assignments in all competitions and Albania can be expected to play with their backs to the wall with the hope of grabbing a goal on the counter-attack.
With that in mind, a 2-0 win for Croatia could represent a value soccer bet in the correct score market. Their midfield is loaded with experience in Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic and they should be far too strong for Albania.
Osasuna attacker Ante Budimir should drop to the bench, with Bruno Petkovic likely to step up despite failing to convert a penalty against La Roja.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Questions Of The Day
Who could score for Albania against Croatia?
Nedim Bajrami is a player in form for Albania with four goal involvements in his last three appearances, including the opening goal in their last two.
