Italy "fights" Croatia
Competing for second place in Group B at EURO 2024, Croatia and Italy will meet in the final match in Leipzig at 2am on June 25. While the Azzurri know a point is enough to secure a place in the round of 16, Croatia must win and hope Albania does not beat group leaders Spain.
Croatia (left) will have to beat Italy if they want to continue.
Despite the disappointment of conceding a last-minute goal in their draw with Albania in Matchday 2, Croatia sit bottom of the group with just one point. But Luka Modric and co still have a chance of progressing. They will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they beat Italy and Albania fail to make things difficult for Spain - if Albania also win, the two teams will be level on four points and will go down to goal difference.
Defeat would see the World Cup bronze medallists eliminated early – or a draw and Albania avoid defeat – on the back of their head-to-head record. Croatia have had more shots on target at EURO 2024 than they did in their three group games three years ago, but an ageing midfield and ineffective attack have not helped this summer.
With the team conceding five goals at EURO 2024 and facing the prospect of failing to win a major tournament for the first time since 2006, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has some tough decisions to make. Croatia have the upper hand against Italy, having gone unbeaten in eight games against the Italians since gaining independence in the 1990s.
Draw with Albania puts Croatia at risk of early elimination
Meeting Croatia for the third time at a major tournament - after losing 2-1 at the 2002 World Cup and failing to win at EURO 2012 - Italy will be aiming for a draw in this clash that would secure second place in Group B. The reigning European champions could have secured a place in the last 16, but a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the second match left the Azzurri in danger of a disappointing exit.
Luciano Spalletti's side have a lot to prove as their final group game looks to be anything but easy. Avoiding defeat against Croatia is the bare minimum, as if Italy lose and Albania shock Spain, the Azzurri's title defence will be in jeopardy.
Spain hardly gives Albania a chance
Spain, who have already qualified, face Albania - who are still hopeful of qualifying for the last 16 - at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in the final Group B match at 2am on 25 June. La Roja beat defending champions Italy 1-0 to secure a place in the last 16, while Sylvinho's Albania finished third thanks to a dramatic comeback to draw 2-2 with Croatia.
In both matches, Albania performed well, taking the lead. However, defensive errors prevented them from maintaining their advantage. If Gjasula does not correct this, Albania will pack up and prepare to leave the hotel early. But with a third-place finish, Sylvinho’s team still have a chance to reach the round of 16 for the first time at a major tournament.
Albania (left) will find it difficult to surprise Spain.
Currently above Croatia on goal difference, Albania will finish second if they can beat Spain and Croatia beat Italy by no more than two goals. They could still qualify for the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Of course, such scenarios first of all revolve around Albania doing what neither Croatia nor Italy could do: get a point or even score against Spain. On the contrary, Luis de la Fuente's team could do that against Albania.
Group B standings after 2 matches
Five days after a 3-0 win over Croatia, an own goal helped Spain beat champions Italy 1-0 and secure their place in the next round. With six points, four goals scored and none conceded, Spain have established themselves as serious title contenders.
Furthermore, having topped Group B, De la Fuente’s side will only have to face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, D, E or F in the last 16. However, for now, extending their winning streak to five games in all competitions and completing Group B with a perfect record is the target for Spain, who have won all eight of their previous matches against Albania.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-euro-2024-ngay-256-y-dai-chien-croatia-de-tranh-bi-loai-185240624071254981.htm
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