After the disastrous 3-0 defeat to start their tournament vs. Spain on Saturday, Croatia go into the match against Albania with their backs against the wall. There is little to no room for error left for Zlatko Dalic’s men, if they are to save their EURO 2024 campaign it must start against Albania. Last Word on Football brings you our Croatia predicted lineup for the match.
Croatia Predicted Lineup vs Albania
How Croatia Have Lined Up Recently
The Vatreni began their match vs. Spain as follows: Dominik Livakovic in goal. Josip Stanisic and Josko Gvardiol played on the flanks of the back-four, while Josip Sutalo was the centre-back alongside Marin Pongracic. Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic were the usual starting midfield trio, as Lovro Majer, Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric made up the front three.
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This lineup was unchanged from the 2-1 victory over Portugal in Croatia’s last warm-up match for this tournament. It was of course the team’s execution on the field, that was so different and that left so much to be desired.
Croatia Recent Form and Tactics
The defeat to Spain was their first since October of 2023. But all prior good form is now meaningless, as only the tournament itself counts.
In his post-match press conference, Dalic apologised to the fans for the bad game, but he stressed that now was not the time to throw everything in the trash because of what he called one bad day. That means that he will likely keep the 4-3-3 formation the same, though it would be a major surprise if he didn’t make a few personnel changes after the Spain debacle.
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Croatia out-processed the Spanish, but missed several absolute sitters. Defensively they were too prone, leaving the centre completely exposed. That is how the first two goals were conceded.
Croatia Injuries to Consider
It remains to be seen whether or not Ivan Perisic is fit enough to start. Nikola Vlasic has been ruled out for the rest of the competition.
Croatia Predicted Lineup vs Albania
Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic.
