Croatia-Albania, Modric and his teammates must pick themselves up immediately after the drubbing they suffered in the opener with Spain.
Soundly defeated by Spain in the opener, Croatia already finds its backs against the wall after the first day of the group stage. The clear 3-0 loss to Roja brought Modric and his teammates, who arrived in Germany with the goal of going as far as possible by targeting the same group that took home a second and third place at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar in the past six years.
Zlatko Dalic’s selection had plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, especially in the second half, but failed to capitalize on any of them. In its own half, however, it was disastrous: the 3 goals scored by the Iberians in the first half were the result of glaring defensive blunders. The technical commissioner will probably change something against Albania, a match that must be won at all costs to avoid arriving at the direct clash with Italy with a foot and a half out of the European Championship. The same discourse applies to Sylvinho’s men, who were disappointing in the Dortmund match with Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri. Leading even after 23 seconds with Bajrami, who was quick to take advantage of a Dimarco mistake, the Rossoneri got too low and ended up being crushed by Italy, which managed to turn it around (2-1) in a few minutes, first with Bastoni and then with Barella. Very timid reaction in the second half, although in the final minutes it took a miracle by Gigio Donnarumma to prevent Manaj’s possible equalizer.
Croatia-Albania, Modric dangerous on set pieces
Among the most spirited Croatian players on Saturday was Hoffenheim striker Kramaric, who against Spain shot twice toward the opponent’s goal and in one even hit the mirror, engaging Simon. He will in all likelihood be one of the most dangerous against Albania as well, and this time he will probably manage to inflate the net: he can be trusted.
Technical commissioner Dalic also expects something more from Modric: age is what it is but if there is one who can be decisive in this Croatia – even without scoring – it is precisely the 2019 Ballon d’Or. We expect at least one shot on goal, which could come on a spot kick. For the same reason, the Real Madrid midfielder is a candidate to sign off on an assist: Albania, in fact, defended very poorly against Italy on free kicks or corners. Staying on the shooting chapter, an eye on Majer, to whom Dalic will surely give confidence again, and the Wolfsburg offensive outfielder could repay it. Among the Albanians, we instead bet a token on Asani and Asllani, with the latter who can be dangerous from distance. Finally, the one who risks yellow is Albanian midfielder Ramadani, who will be assigned the “dirty job. “
Share comparison
Kramaric scorer Plus is listed at 2.40 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.75 on Snai. Ramadani cautioned Plus instead is quoted at 3.20 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.25 on Snai.
