Germany and Switzerland, who won in their debut at the European Championship, could become the first teams qualified for the round of 16 on Wednesday (19), while Croatia, semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup, has no margin for error given the Albania.
The team led by veteran Luka Modric suffered a tough 3-0 defeat to Spain in their debut and now needs to overcome the Albanians to continue dreaming of qualifying.
“I apologize for the poor performance,” said coach Zlatko Dalic after the match against the Spanish side. In addition to the victory, the Croatians are looking for a convincing performance to regain the fans’ trust.
Coached by Brazilian Sylvinho, Albania was also defeated in the first round, 2-1 against Italy, so the team that loses the game to be played in Hamburg (at 10am Brasília) will have little chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
After the start of the round with this group B game (Spain and Italy play on Thursday), it will be A’s turn, with the second game against hosts Germany (at 1 pm Brasília time).
Julian Nagelsmann’s team’s mix of youth and experience appears to have borne fruit after their ruthless 5-1 victory over Scotland in the tournament opener.
Germany’s biggest-ever victory at a EURO 👊#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/UauxGMxPgl
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 14, 2024
Against Hungary, the ‘Mannschaft’ will probably have a harder time winning in Stuttgart, but victory would be rewarded with qualifying for the round of 16, yet another reason for local fans to continue dreaming of the title.
Despite the abysmal difference in achievement between the teams (the Germans have four World Cups and three Euros, while the Hungarians have never won an important title), the direct confrontation is very balanced, with 13 victories for Germany, 11 for Hungary and 12 draws.
Switzerland is in the same situation as the host. After the 3-1 victory in the debut against the Hungarians, a victory over Scotland in Cologne (at 4pm Brasília) would mean the Swiss’ mathematical qualification for the round of 16 and the possibility of competing for first place in the group in the last game against Germany.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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