Spain’s midfielder #16 Rodri and his teammates attended a training session on June 23, 2024, ahead of their UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match against Albania. Spain is already qualified for the round of 16 as the Group B winner and is the only team, apart from France, to not concede a goal yet. The team is likely to rest players in the upcoming match, giving Albania a chance to pull off a historic upset. The match is scheduled to take place in Duesseldorf at 9 pm local time on the same night as group rivals Croatia and Italy meet in Leipzig.
Spain’s impressive performance in a 1-0 win over defending champion Italy has positioned them as one of the favorites for the Euro 2024 title. Despite their strong showing, Spain has not had a player score a goal since their opening match against Croatia. On the other hand, Albania has managed to score the opening goal in both of their games but only has one point after a loss to Italy and a draw with Croatia. However, a draw in the upcoming match might be enough for Albania to qualify for the round of 16 as one of the third-place teams with the best record.
The big question for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is how much he will rotate his squad to rest players for the knockout stages. Midfielder Rodri is suspended for the game against Albania, while defenders Carvajal and le Normand are at risk of suspension if they receive another yellow card. Albania is missing forward Mirlind Daku due to a two-game ban from UEFA for chanting nationalist slogans after the Croatia game. Despite these challenges, both teams are gearing up for a competitive match.
Spain has a perfect record against Albania, winning all eight of their previous encounters. However, their most recent match in 2022 required a 90th-minute goal to secure a 2-1 victory. By completing the group stage without conceding a goal, Spain can match a feat only achieved by Italy and England at Euro 2020. The team is confident in their abilities to compete at the highest level and potentially win the tournament.
In preparation for the match against Albania, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the importance of avoiding injuries and fielding the best players for the game. The team is focused on executing their game plan and remaining competitive throughout the tournament. Defender Aymeric Laporte expressed confidence in the team’s ability to face strong opponents and perform well under pressure. Albania coach Sylvinho, who has strong ties to Spain, praised the Spanish team’s quality and expressed his excitement for the upcoming match.
In conclusion, the match between Spain and Albania in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter. While Spain is already qualified for the round of 16, Albania will be looking to secure a crucial win to advance in the tournament. Both teams have their strengths and challenges heading into the match, making it a must-watch event for football fans. As the teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Duesseldorf.