Croatia Albania betting tip & the best odds for the 2nd matchday of Group B
It’s already a matter of survival for the Croatia Albania betting tip at Euro 2024. Both nations have lost their opening game. Nothing but three points will therefore count in this afternoon’s direct clash at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.
The Croatians went down 3-0 to the strong Spaniards, while Albania were unable to defend their lead after scoring the earliest European Championship goal in history against Italy, fell behind themselves shortly afterwards and were then unable to do anything against the southern Europeans’ bulwark.
In my Croatia Albania prediction, I expect a thrilling second half first and foremost. They will have to play for victory by then at the latest, as a point would definitely be too little.
I rate Croatia as stronger overall, which is why I’m considering a combination of the “Double chance 1X” and over 0.5 goals in the second half for the Croatians at Betano
The two favorites have prevailed on the first matchday. Albania and Croatia need three points to be in the running for a place in the round of 16. In the end, the two nations once again have two mammoth tasks ahead of them.
This is precisely what makes Wednesday’s match so interesting: two national teams condemned to victory, who can count on vociferous support from their fans. The Albanians in particular created an enormous amount of noise in the match against Italy.
Whether this impressive background noise has now also influenced the Croatia Albania odds?
The Croatia – Albania prediction from the bookmakers
There is no question that the Croats have a clear advantage in terms of quality. The 2018 runners-up are better in every position. Betano serves up a 1.47 for the success of the favorites with its super odds boost.
The odds for an Albanian victory have also been increased from 7.70 to 8.25, meaning that a successful bet with a stake of €100, for example, would win €55 more. The draw odds have been boosted from 4.20 to 4.40.
Croatia vs Albania odds: Where are the highest Albania odds?
In line with the 1X2 market, NEObet is also serving up strong Albania odds in the form of boost odds for the “Double Chance X2”. If you are convinced of winning the point, you can pick up 3.00 odds and bets are tax-free at NEObet.
After all: In the end, Albania only narrowly lost to Italy purely on the basis of the result; shortly before the final whistle, the group underdogs even had a great chance to equalize after a long ball into the top corner.
Albania won through against Poland and the Czech Republic in qualifying with a compact defense and a dangerous, efficient transition game. The top team in qualifying Group E conceded just four goals.
Analysis: Croatia vs. Albania
Will Croatia’s defense break down in the Balkan duel? The men in the checked jerseys will be looking closely at how the Squadra Azzurra approached the game against Albania to turn the match around in no time at all.
Fast combination soccer involving both wingers, high penalty area possession, the courage to go one-on-one, Italy mastered all of this despite the early shock and booing in almost every phase of possession.
Three goals in the first half and de facto nothing happened in the second half. Italy managed the lead, 1.70 expected goals in the first half, 0.36 in the second 45 minutes
Albania will definitely have to take more risks against Croatia. The bookmakers only have limited faith in the Red and Blacks to score a goal. Betano has Albania odds of 1.87 for over 0.5 goals. The double strike even ranks at 5.10.
Croatia exerted pressure against Spain, but were ultimately unable to reward themselves. Luka Modric’s team were awarded a penalty after a mistake by Unai Simon and were able to convert the rebound, but the provider Ivan Perisic was too early in the penalty area when the penalty was taken
After 90 minutes, the Croatians, who were already trailing 0:3 at the break, had even more shots than the winners Spain, 2.27 to 2.11 expected goals for Croatia. Values that also make the 2.15 for both teams’ goals against Albania look good.
Albania cannot be compared with Spain. However, the record European champions also benefited from a few mistakes in their opponents’ defense. Albania will also want to force them in an “all or nothing” match
An analysis of the odds
A 2.15 for both teams to score, the Croatia Albania odds in the over section are also higher. Betano is generally known for absolute top odds in the over goals market. A 1.35 beckons for at least two goals.
1.98 is available for over 2.5 goals and 3.35 for four goals upwards. I find the 2.07 particularly lucrative for the bet that more goals will be scored in the second half than in the first half.
While the teams may focus on stability at the start, they will have to drop their pants for the three points after the restart to secure the three-pointer. More attacking courage results in more chances and more counter-attacking opportunities and spaces for the opposition.
At Betano, you can always let off steam if you’re considering a goal bet. And as a new customer, you don’t even need to make a deposit. Because the bookie has one of the best free bet offers, a €20 free bet after successful verification
Croatia vs Albania odds: A premiere clash
Croatia and Albania have never met in an international match before, which is another reason why this game is so interesting. Albania have only been on the big stage once before.
In 2016, the national team qualified for the European Championship and narrowly missed out on reaching the round of 16. Hosts France only managed to take the lead in the 90th minute. They then went on to win three against Romania.
This is only Albania’s second ever appearance at the European Championships in Germany; they have not yet played at the World Cup.
Are the head coaches of Croatia and Albania reacting?
Zlatko Dalic has been coaching the Croats since 2017, led his nation to the runners-up spot at the 2018 World Cup and finished third at the 2022 World Cup. It is not unlikely that he will replace one or two players after the disastrous start against Spain.
Before the start of the tournament, however, Croatia showed a consistent side and pulled off an impressive 2:1 win against Portugal. Games without Croatia scoring are a rarity anyway.
In the last three games before the European Championship, the Croatian team scored in the second half each time. In any scenario, I think the favorite’s goal against Albania is also realistic
With a lead, Albania have to open up even earlier, Croatia get space and have the chance to finally put the lid on it. Results management soccer is not part of the team’s DNA.
If the game is drawn or Albania take the lead, Croatia must score the goal. Based on their class and overall solid performance despite the heavy defeat against Spain, I assume that Croatia will not lose
Therefore, the mix of the “Double Chance 1X” plus at least one goal for Croatia in the second 45 minutes at fantastic 1.55 odds is the perfect bet in my eyes at Betano.
If you want to commit purely to a goal tip, you could also bet on 1-2 Croatia goals in the second half at 1.65 odds.
My Croatia Albania tip:
Croatia must, Albania must. Neither Albania nor Croatia want to miss out on three points in the last match against Spain and Italy. Moreover, there is no guarantee that three or four points will be enough to progress.
Croatia in particular are doomed to win with their poor goal difference. I’ve already given you a winning bet for the Croatian opener.
It’s important to build on this in the second game of Group B. I expect a match in which Croatia will have more of the play, but also Albania, who are strong on the counter-attack and will be more aggressive than against Italy. The second half will be particularly interesting. Before the European Championship, Croatia scored reliably in the second half.
Accordingly, my Croatia Albania betting tip is: Double chance 1X & Croatia to score in half-time 2
