How can Albania qualify for the knockout stages in Euro 2024?
Albania’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 rest on a crucial victory over Spain in their final Group B match. While a draw could suffice depending on the outcome of the concurrent Croatia vs. Italy clash, aiming for a triumph against the tournament favorites is Albania’s most direct path to the next round.
Prerequisites for Albania’s Qualification
- Defeat Spain: Albania must secure a victory against Spain, the group leaders.
- Favorable Result in Croatia vs. Italy: Albania’s qualification chances are also influenced by the result of the Croatia vs. Italy match.
Scenarios for Albania’s Qualification
Scenario 1: Albania Victory and Croatia Win
- Albania defeats Spain.
- Croatia defeats Italy.
- Albania qualifies as a group runner-up.
Additional Criteria: If both Albania and Croatia win, the teams will be ranked based on goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary points, or UEFA European Qualifiers rankings.
Scenario 2: Albania Victory and Italy Victory or Draw
- Albania defeats Spain.
- Italy either wins or draws against Croatia.
- Albania qualifies as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Additional Criteria: Albania must surpass Croatia in goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary points, or UEFA European Qualifiers rankings if both teams finish with the same number of points. Albania will need to achieve a better result than other third-placed teams across all groups to secure a spot among the top four.
Possible Obstacles
- Spain’s formidable squad and tournament experience pose a significant challenge for Albania.
- The outcome of the Croatia vs. Italy match could determine Albania’s fate, leaving them reliant on other teams’ results.
- Albania’s relatively lower FIFA ranking and lack of recent tournament success could affect their chances in a tiebreaker scenario.
Albania’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Cohesive team spirit and determination.
- Impressive performances in Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Counter-attacking style that can exploit Spain’s high defensive line.
Weaknesses:
- Limited experience at major tournaments.
- Lack of depth in certain positions.
- Spain’s superior technical ability and possession game.
Conclusion
Albania’s qualification for the Euro 2024 knockout stages is a tall order, but not impossible. A victory against Spain is essential, and a favorable result in the Croatia vs. Italy match would greatly enhance their chances. While the odds may be stacked against them, Albania’s determination and belief will be key to overcoming the challenges ahead and making history in Germany.
Divya 
Mehek