HAMBURG, Germany — Croatia faces Albania in their second match in Group B. Both teams lost their opening matches and can’t afford another defeat if they want to keep hope alive of advancing from the group stage. The match starts at 3 p.
m. local time (9 a.m.
EST) in Hamburg. Here’s what to know: Match facts — The two Balkan teams have never met in a competitive match before. Albania is playing in only its second European Championship after qualifying for the tournament in 2016.
— Luka Modric’s Croatia is looking to rebound from a confidence-bruising 3-0 loss to Spain in the group opener. Croatia is expected to control the game while Albania relies on its robust defense and quick counterattacks. — Albania stunned defending champion Italy with an early goal but conceded two goals later in the game in the 2-1 loss on June 15.
— Albania faces disciplinary charges for the behavior of its fans in the first game. UEFA says that included a “provocative message” allegedly displayed by fans, the throwing of objects, use of fireworks and a field invasion by a fan near the end of the game. Team news Albania's Arber Hoxha is chased by Italy's Alessandro Bastoni and Italy's Bryan Cristante, right, during the Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Credit: AP/Martin Meissner — Croatia midfielder Nikola Vlasic didn't take part in the team’s training session on Monday but is expected to be.
