We’re into the second round of pool fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany on Wednesday, with knockout qualification already on the line.
The host nation meet Hungary off the back of starkly contrasting opening matches, while Scotland hope to breathe life into their campaign in the other half of Group A.
Croatia and Albania kick off the day’s proceedings when they meet in Hamburg.
*All kick off times in local time.
Group B: Croatia vs Albania – 15.00
Points are in demand on Wednesday at the Volksparkstadion, as Croatia and Albania attempt to kickstart their respective Euro 2024 campaigns at the second time of asking.
The pair both tasted defeat in the opening fixtures in a devilish Group B, leaving little remaining margin for error.
Luka Modric could only look on in horror as his side shipped three first half goals in their opener against impressive Spain inside Berlin’s Olimpiastadion.
Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal all breached the defence of Dominik Livakovic before the break.
And it could have been worse, only the the Spanish to opt to ease off the gas after the interval.
Albania made an unbelievable start against reigning champions Italy in Dortmund, as Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds following a defensive error.
But that was as good as it got, as the holders roared back to take the lead by the 16th minute.
In fact they were indebted to keeper Thomas Strakosha for holding the score at that, as the Azzurri threatened to put the game to bed.
Group A: Germany vs Hungary – 18.00
Germany are out to extend their perfect start at their home Euro 2024 on Wednesday evening, when they meet Hungary in Stuttgart for their second Group A fixture.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side wiped the floor with sorry Scotland in their tournament curtain-raiser last Friday night in Munich.
Florian Wirtz broke the seal early on before Jamal Musiala smashed in the second inside 20 minutes.
A Kai Havertz penalty made it three just before half time, as the Scots were reduced to ten men, before Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can added the gloss either side of Antonio Rudiger’s own goal at the other end.
Hungary were staring down the barrel at the halfway mark of their opener against Switzerland, having already gone two goals behind.
It was a fair reflection of play, too, but Barnabas Varga gave them a chance when he converted Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross, only for Breel Embolo to clip in a late third to ensure the Hungarians remained pointless.
Group A: Scotland vs Switzerland – 21.00
Scotland and Switzerland come into their second Group A contest at Euro 2024 on Wednesday off the back of contrasting pool openers last weekend.
The Swiss were impressive in dispatching Hungary 3-1 in Cologne on Saturday.
Kwadwo Duah beat the offside trap, after a VAR check, to put the Swiss ahead before Michel Aebischer doubled the advantage at the perfect moment just before the half time break.
The Hungarians pulled one back to keep the pressure on, but Breel Embolo made sure of all three points when he executed a gorgeous injury time chip over helpless keeper Peter Gulacsi.
No such luck for Scotland, who failed to turn up on the opening night in a thoroughly deserved 5-1 mauling at the hands of host nation Germany.
They were two down inside 20 minutes and it was three after Ryan Porteous committed a horror tackle inside the Scottish area that saw him receive a red card before Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot.
Further punishment followed in the second half, with Antonio Rudiger’s 87-minute own goal the only glimmer of light amid the dark for Steve Clarke’s side.
Croatia v Albania
| Result prediction | Croatia to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Albania / Croatia to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | N. Bajrami(Albania) |
Germany v Hungary
| Result prediction | Germany to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Germany / Germany to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | K. Havertz(Germany) |
Scotland v Switzerland
| Result prediction | Switzerland to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Switzerland / Switzerland to win |
| Team to Score prediction | Switzerland |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | X. Shaqiri(Switzerland) |