Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Stadionul Zimbru will host Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier between Moldova and Albania, the two teams who are eyeing a top-two finish in Group E. The Moldovans did well to hold Poland to a 1-1 draw in October and a win over Albania could see them overtake Czech Republic in second place in the standings. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team, but both Dorian Railean and Oleg Reabciuk are only one yellow card away from suspension.
The Albanians, on the other hand, aim to retain top position in the standings and seeing that that Chelsea striker Armando Broja is back from injury, we are tempted to put our money on the visiting team. Roma defender Marash Kumbulla remains in the recovery room. When the two teams met in Tirana earlier in the process Albania defeated Moldova 2-0, which is yet another reason why away win should be considered.
Highlighted Team (Albania):
The Albanian national football team has represented the country on international stage since 1946, and it is interesting to note that Albania was one of the founding members of UEFA back in 1954. The Eagles have enjoyed very little success in the 20th century, but they managed to show some improvement at the turn of the century and eventually secured their first ever appearance at a major tournament.
Albania qualified for the Euro 2016 finals as they came second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, taking 14 points from 8 matches, with Italian coach Gianni De Biasi at the helm. The Eagles have never qualified for the World Cup finals in 11 attempts, winning mere 14 of 94 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Lazio defender Lorik Cana has worn the captain’s armband over the last few years and he is Albania’s most capped player, while former Chievo forward Erjon Bogdani still holds the record for most goals for the national team, with 18 strikes in 74 appearances.