Dalić to make changes to Croatia line-up for Albania clash

by croatiaweek
June 18, 2024
in Sport

Croatia lost to Spain 3-0

Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalić, is anticipated to make several changes to the line-up following the 3-0 defeat against Spain in their Euro 2024 opener.

As the team prepares to face Albania tomorrow in Hamburg in a must-win match, one of the most talked-about aspects is the squad selection.

It is evident that there will be changes. Bruno Petković, who missed a penalty in Saturday’s loss to Spain looks set to start as the striker, replacing Ante Budimir.

Budimir, who looked like he lacked a yard of pace and missed a great chance in the first half to score, is expected to be dropped.

Dalić has already hinted that the line-up for Spain would not be the same as for Albania, suggesting some of these changes were premeditated, Sportske novosti said.

Among other anticipated changes, Josip Juranović and Ivan Perišić are expected to be in the starting eleven, with Perišić potentially playing as a left-back.

Joško Gvardiol is expected to moved back into the centre back role, where is played with aplomb at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

A possible line-up is likely to feature Livaković in goal, with a defence comprising Juranović, Šutalo, Gvardiol—returning to his centre-back role in place of Pongračić—and Perišić.

The midfield trio would include Brozović, Kovačić, and Modrić, while Majer, Petković, and Kramarić would form the attacking front.

Croatia meets Albania at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg with kick-off at 3 pm local time.