Verdict Expected for the ‘Group of Death’ of this Euro
The standings of Group B will be decided on Monday, with the final day and two matches remaining. While Spain is assured to finish at the top of Group B and face a third-placed team, everything is still up for grabs from second to fourth place. Italy, currently in second place, is in a better position but can still lose everything to Albania and Croatia. The latter has no other choice if it wants to continue its journey in the competition and offer a dignified exit for its generation led by Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric (Beirut time).
10:00 PM: Italy-Croatia
How far away seem the days when Croatia reached the World Cup final against France. That was six years ago in Russia. Fast forward and now, the checkered nation is on the brink of elimination in the first round of Euro 2024. Outclassed by Spain in the opener, the Croatians especially faltered against Albania on the second day. After turning the game around in the second half, Zlatko Dalic’s players collapsed in injury time, exposing their defensive weaknesses and fragility (2-2).
Last in Group B before the final day, Croatia must absolutely achieve a positive result against Italy, while hoping that Albania does not create another surprise in the other match of the evening. For Luka Modric (38 years old), Ivan Perisic (35 years old), and Andrej Kramaric (33 years old), a defeat would mean elimination through the back door for what would be the last Euro for a highly talented generation but ultimately without a trophy. Italy should not play the role of the circumstantial ally following its defeat against Spain. The reigning European champions must do much better and follow the path of their goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has had an excellent start to the tournament.
10:00 PM: Spain-Albania
Two matches, two victories, four goals scored, none conceded: Spain could hardly have hoped for a better start to its Euro. La Roja arrived in a state of uncertainty, after a lackluster World Cup in Qatar (round of 16) and a shaky last Euro (two wins in six matches). The teammates of Parisian Fabian Ruiz, transformed in the national team, were impressive – especially in the first half – against Croatia, and then convincing against Italy.
They can now aim for a perfect record in the most approachable match on paper, against Albania in Düsseldorf. However, they will need to be wary of the Albanians, who are not lacking in confidence. The Eagles led against both Italy and Croatia. The young Albanian generation has everything to gain by trying its luck, hoping for a place among the best third-placed teams in the group stage and a ticket to the Round of 16.
