With 70 days remaining until the start of the UEFA European Championship hosted in Germany, Albania is poised to make its mark on "EURO 2024," their second-largest tournament in history.
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The journey for "The Eagles" began in EURO 2016, where they finished third in their group, trailing behind France and Switzerland, with a sole victory against Romania, which wasn't enough to secure advancement to the Round of 16. Albania wasn't given much chance for success this summer, with odds standing at a mere 0.2%. With a challenging group, it's difficult to see the Crimson and Whites, led by Silvinja, clinching even a single point, let alone progressing to the knockout stages.
What are Albania's chances of winning EURO 2024, according to betting companies?
► Albania to win EURO 2024: 500/1 or (0.2%)
► Albania to reach EURO 2024 semi-finals: 40/1 or (2.4%)
► Albania to win Group B: 25/1 or (3.8%)
Group Stage Matches:
► Italy vs. Albania (June 15, 2024, 20:00, Signal Iduna Park)
► Croatia vs. Albania (June 19, 2024, 14:00, Volksparkstadion)
► Spain vs. Albania (June 24, 2024, 20:00, Red Bull Arena)
Possible Opponents in the Knockout Stage:
Realistically, Albania's best chance of qualifying for the Round of 16 is as one of the third-place finishers. This would likely pit them against the winner of Group F or Group E, namely Portugal or Belgium. Facing Portugal would mean a subsequent encounter with the Netherlands and Spain before potentially meeting France in the final. If matched against Belgium, Albania could face France and England before squaring off against Spain in the final.
Key Players for Albania in this European Championship:
Leading contender for the Golden Boot in EURO 2024: Sokol Cikalleshi
Key Stats: Eight out of Sokol Cikalleshi's 11 goals for Konyaspor in the Turkish league this season have been penalties.
Primary Playmaker for Albania: Jasir Asani
Key Stats: Jasir Asani was the only Albanian player to register more than one assist in the EURO 2024 qualifiers.
Albania's Card Magnets and Ball Winners: Taulant Seferi
Key Stats: Taulant Seferi made more tackles than any other Albanian player in the EURO 2024 qualifiers.
Albania's Rising Star: Armando Broja
Key Stats: Armando Broja has already earned 19 caps at the age of 22 and is seen as the future of Albanian football.
Albania's Specialist Players:
► Penalty Specialist: Sokol Cikalleshi
► Free Kick Specialist: Kristjan Asllani
► Corner Kick Specialist: Jasir Asani
Analysis and Tactical Formation of Albania:
The team has demonstrated stability in maintaining the 4-2-3-1 formation under Silvinja's guidance. Despite facing challenges, Etrit Berisha is expected to secure the starting goalkeeper position. Elseid Hysaj, Mario Mitaj, Berat Gjimshiti, and Enea Mihaj are likely to form the defensive line.
Midfielders Ylber Ramadani and Kristian Asllani are crucial, while Jasir Asani operates as the primary playmaker. On the wings, Myrto Uzuni and Taulant Seferi are anticipated to contribute significantly. Sokol Cikalleshi will lead the attacking line, with support from players like Rei Manaj, Mirlind Daku, and Armando Broja.
Though the odds may seem stacked against them, the Albanian squad enters EURO 2024 with determination and hope. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, they aim to defy expectations and leave a lasting impression on the football world. As the countdown to the tournament continues, the Albanian faithful dare to dream of a historic run in the championship.