No mercy series

Croatia has no way back

Having lost their opening game, Croatia and Albania will be aiming to continue their fight for a place in the last 16. Croatia started with a 3-0 defeat to Spain, failing to score despite 16 shots. Croatia will be looking to beat Albania as they face Italy in their final game. After a poor start, coach Zlatko Dalic could make a few changes to Croatia's starting line-up against Albania, with star centre-back Josko Gvardiol likely to return. It has also been suggested that key man Marcelo Brozovic could drop to the bench, giving Luka Sucic or Mario Pasalic a chance to make a breakthrough in midfield under Luka Modric.

Luka Modric (right) and his teammates must win to keep alive their hopes of bringing Croatia into the next round.

While Croatia are all too familiar with the EURO finals, Albania are only participating for the second time since gaining independence. They lost 1-2 to Italy in their opening match, their first loss since March 2023, ending a 7-match unbeaten streak. The draw has not been in their favour, so they will have to work hard to avoid early elimination. Even if they get 1 point against Croatia, Albania will still face difficulties as they will have to face Spain in the final match of Group B. Bad news for Albania is that striker Jasir Asani has an ankle problem and his ability to play is still uncertain. Therefore, coach Sylvinho will place his hopes on Rey Manaj or Armando Broja (Chelsea Club) to score.

Scotland does not want to break up early

Having suffered their heaviest defeat ever at the EURO finals, Scotland must find a way to bounce back in the match against Switzerland in the second match of Group A taking place at 2am on June 20 (Vietnam time). After Steve Clarke's team lost 1-5 to hosts Germany, their opponents made an impressive start by defeating Hungary 3-1.

Scotland will be out of the top two in the race for a place in the last 16 if they fail this time. Of course, third place could still be enough to get Scotland through, but looking at recent results, that seems unlikely. Scotland have only won one of their last 10 games in all competitions, not to mention Porteous is suspended after picking up a red card against Germany.

Meanwhile, the Swiss team is in a better position to qualify after winning the opening match. However, coach Murat Yakin is still not satisfied because his players made too many mistakes in the second half of the match against Hungary. Embolo and his teammates aim to win 3 points against Scotland to feel secure when meeting hosts Germany in the final round. Losing only 1 in the last 15 matches has given the Rossocrociati confidence to enter the clash with Scotland, a team they have not faced since a 3-1 victory in a friendly in 2006. Another good news for Swiss fans is that key midfielder Denis Zakaria could return from injury.

The Croatia - Albania match will take place at 8pm on June 19, live on VTV2; the Switzerland - Scotland match will take place at 2am on June 20, live on VTV3.

The match between host Germany and Hungary at 11pm on June 19, broadcast on VTV, TV360, FPT Play.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lich-thi-dau-euro-2024-hom-nay-loat-dau-khong-khoan-nhuong-185240618214615138.htm