Croatia lost 3-0 to Spain and are desperate for a win that would get them back on track for qualification. Albania are ready to defy the Euro 2024 odds after narrowly missing a huge draw to Italy. Will they punch above their weight once more?
Find out why I see this one being a wide-open affair in my Croatia vs. Albania predictions and Euro 2024 picks for Wednesday, June 19.
Croatia vs Albania picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Over 2.5 (+100 at Betano)
My analysis
Despite Nedim Bajrami recording the fastest-ever goal at the Euros after just 23 seconds, Albania fell behind Italy in just 15 minutes. What followed the Italian goal was an even fight, with Albania looking always dangerous and ready to trouble the opposition. Sylvinho's side kept harassing its opponent, but no goal was scored until the end of the match.
Albania doesn't try to do anything revolutionary. They keep it simple and direct, showing their feisty approach can cause headaches even to the most glamorous opponents. Albania didn't top their qualifying group for nothing, as they left the likes of the Czech Republic and Poland behind them. Sylvinho will look to see his side grow in this tournament. If Albania are to stand any chance of progress, they must maximize the outcome of the match against Croatia.
Luka Modric and his teammates are also desperate to win. Spain thrashed them 3-0 and qualification is at risk. The normal, accessible points in this group are considered those against Albania. A mature and capable team like Croatia, who played so many big tournaments and had great success at the last two World Cups, can't be underestimated.
The match on Wednesday will be the first international game between Albania and Croatia. The latter never started a final tournament with two straight defeats, nor have they lost successive group-stage encounters. Another detail to help Croatia's case is that they never lost their second match in a European final tournament (W2, D4).
But they could only keep a clean sheet in their last 13 games at the Euros. Only one of Croatia's previous 23 Euro matches finished in a 0-0 draw (vs. Switzerland in the opening match at Euro 2004). Albania have scored in the first half of their last two Euro outings, also being the team to take the lead.
This game has "goals" written all over it, so I'll opt for the Over 2.5 at a more than decent +100 from Betano.
Croatia vs Albania same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 2.5
Both teams to score - Yes
Over 8.5 corners
This is set to be an open game, with much excitement awaited even for a neutral viewer.
Albania are not the type of team that parks the bus, and they are not easy to discourage either. Sylvinho's boys will keep pushing even if Croatia takes the lead. Croatia are expected to change their defensive line composition after a disappointing result vs. Spain, with Gvardiol moving into a central role instead of playing as left-back. We expect goals, so expect lots of attacks in this game.
There were eight corners in the game between Italy and Albania, while we only saw five in the Spain vs Croatia clash, all of which belonged to Spain. Croatia's game needs to change, they need to attack and get the points, as well as the goals that can influence the final standings in the group. Action in the opposition's last third often translates into a serious amount of chances coming in from corners too. A parlay including Over 8.5 corners looks attractive.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Croatia vs Albania odds
| Croatia | Albania | |
|---|---|---|
| -192 | Moneyline | +650 |
| Over 2.5 (+100) | Total | Under 2.5 (-120) |
| +335 | Draw | +335 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-18.
Croatia vs Albania game info
| Location: | Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany |
| Date: | Wednesday, June 19, 2024 |
| Time: | 9:00 a.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Weather: | 65F, 14 mph winds, 20% PoP |
Not intended for use in MA.
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