New Delhi: Albania will face Spain, who have already qualified for the knockout stages, in a Group B UEFA Euro 2024 clash in the Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf (Monday, June 24). Albania, though, haven’t qualified for the knockout stages but are still in contention.
After their loss against Italy, Albania needed points against Croatia. It seemed like they were set to lose points but Albania midfielder Klaus Gjasula, who had netted a highly unfortunate own goal, redeemed himself with a 95th-minute goal with one of the most remarkable equalisers.
The goal allowed Albania to extend their stay in the tournament and kept their hopes alive to make their first-ever appearance in the knockouts of a major tournament. Albania are currently placed above Croatia on a goal difference. If Albania defeat Spain and Croatia beat Italy by at least two goals, the former will likely secure their spot in the knockouts. However, Albania needs to score against Spain, who have maintained a clean sheet in both of their Euro group games.
Spain opened the Euro Championship with a dominating 3-0 victory over Croatia. La Roja sit at the top of the Group B table with six points. Based on their performance in the tournament so far, Spain will be one of the contenders to win this year’s championship. They will look to extend their winning sequence to five matches across all competitions and complete fixture Group B with victory from all three games.
Team News
Albania have a big challenge to overcome as five of their players, Armando Broja, Gjasula, Elseid Hysaj, Arber Hoxha, and Mirlind Daku, are one booking away from suspensions. This may not affect Sylvinho, the team’s manager, in deciding who will take the field on Monday.
The Red and Blacks’ camp have no injury or fitness concerns. After Gjasula’s significant contribution in the match against Croatia, the team will base its decision regarding the midfield on this. Rey Manaj will start over Chelsea’s Broja, who had a difficult period last season on loan to Fulham. The team will look to maintain balance and hope to better their performance from the last game.
For Spain, Luis De la Fuente has confirmed that changes are on the horizon for Monday’s game, with the top spot already secured. One of these changes is inevitable, as midfield enforcer Rodri will be serving a suspension after picking up two yellow cards.
Spain’s lineup also includes two players with fitness-related doubts. Centre-back Nacho and winger Ayoze Perez, who were previously supposed to start, are uncertain to take the field due to muscle and hamstring problems, respectively. These changes give an insight into the options that the La Roja boss has.
With Rodri’s absence, Martin Zubimendi will likely replace him in the playing XI. Other replacements who can be considered for the field include Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres, Alejandro Grimaldo, 38-year-old Jesus Navas, and David Raya.
Head to Head
Spain will enter the draw having won each of their previous eight encounters against Albania, who are desperate for a win to reach the knockouts. Spain will come to the contest with nothing to lose but the rhythm they built from the last five games.
Predicted lineup
Albania: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Laci, Bajrami; Manaj
Spain: Raya; Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Merino, Zubimendi, Baena; Torres, Joselu, Oyarzabal
When, where and how to watch the Albania vs Spain match in India?
The Albania vs Spain UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
Albania will come into the draw with a potential qualification for their first ever knockout stage in a major tournament against Group B table leaders Spain. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
