Euros preview: Wednesday’s action including Scotland vs Switzerland
Croatia vs Albania
After suffering a 3-0 defeat in their opener against Spain, Croatia will be eager to get off the mark against Albania on Wednesday.
The Albanians also suffered defeat in their opening game against Italy – despite having taken the lead after 23 seconds. That’s the fastest goal ever scored at the Euros, but small consolation for manager Sylvinho, who saw his side pegged back 2-1 within 16 minutes.
With Croatia unfortunate not to at least find the net in their opening game, it would be a surprise if they draw a blank against this opposition.
Though they were frustrated against Spain, even failing to convert a penalty, they had 16 shots in all, and posted an expected goals of 2.38.
Zlatko Dalic’s side could atone for that failure to find the net here; back Croatia to win and over 2.5 goals in a double at 5/4.
Germany vs Hungary
Germany began the tournament with an emphatic 5-1 win over Scotland, and the hosts can keep the wins coming against a Hungary side that disappointed against Switzerland in their opening game, losing 3-1.
While Germany looked sharp against the Scots, Steve Clarke’s side didn’t exactly give a great account of themselves. And Julian Nagelsmann will be hopeful of building upon the positivity of that opener.
For their part, Hungary will look to their 1-0 Nations League win over Germany back in 2022 to try to rally the troops.
In fact, the Hungarians are unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Mannschaft; can they put that Swiss miss behind them and give the Germans a more rigorous examination than the Scots managed last Friday?
Perhaps, but it still seems likely that the hosts will take the win. Back Germany to win and BTTS YES in a double at 8/5; that bet would have come off in three of Germany’s last four matches.
Or you could take Jamal Musiala at 8/11 to score or give an assist; he scored against Scotland, and provided assists against France and the Netherlands in friendlies back in March.
Scotland vs Switzerland
After the one-sided nature of their opening game, can Scotland salvage something from their remaining group matches?
The Scots conceded five goals against Germany, and even the consolation goal was headed in by the hosts’ Antonio Rudiger; Scotland’s expected goals against Germany was 0.1.
That suggests Steve Clarke’s side may be in for another difficult night against a Swiss team that made short work of Hungary in their opening game.
Looking for the positives, Scotland’s last win at the Euros came against this team back in 1996. Perhaps the Scots can tap into that history to inspire them against this opposition.
That said, three years ago this Switzerland side saw off France at the Euros. They probably shouldn’t be underestimated (even though I underestimated them against the Hungarians).
Switzerland are 17/20 to take the win; keeping it simple could make sense here.
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