“Easy win for Albania”, “Now it’s in our hands” - Fans react as Spain make 10 changes to line-up for final Euro 2024 Group B clash
Spain are set to take on Albania in the final matchday of Group B at the ongoing Euro 2024. La Roja have already booked their spot in the knockout stages with two wins in their first two matches, but the other three teams must navigate a complicated web of points and goal difference.
Luis de la Fuente has decided to rest ten players ahead for the match against Albania, so that they can recharge themselves ahead of the all-important knockout matches.
The changes have gotten Albania fans across the world excited, as they feel they can defeat the Spaniards and give themselves a golden opportunity to qualify for the Euro 2024 knockouts. Here are some of their reactions:
"Easy win for Albania," commented one user on X (formerly Twitter).
"Ready to do history," reacted another user.
"WE'RE WINNING, HAJDE SHQIPE!!!" exclaimed another Albania fan.
One fan also joked that the Spanish side have not fielded their first XI because they want Italy to be eliminated from the tournament. Italy will face Croatia in the other Group B encounter at the same time.
"Spain wants Italy out," they quipped.
"YES I LOVE YOU SPAIN now it's in our own hands," prayed another Albania fan.
"Spain giving participation certificate to rest players," joked another fan.
The Balkan side drew 2-2 against Croatia in their last fixture and will be hoping to one-up that performance and secure a victory against La Roja. On the other hand, Spain crept past Italy courtesy of an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori and will be looking to win big with their revamped side in the match against Albania.
A look at Spain vs. Albania history before the Euro 2024 clash
When it comes to must-win matches, Spain are statistically the last team Albania would want to face. The Balkan outfit has been outperformed in all nine meetings these two have had in history. La Roja handed Albania a 9-0 defeat in 1990, their heaviest-ever loss in international games.
However, with the main squad rested, Albania would want to make early inroads into the Spanish side and make sure they remain solid defensively.
Led by manager Sylvinho, Albania would surely draw inspiration from the unexpected 2-2 draw against Croatia and look to carry that momentum to beat the Spanish side and march into the knockouts.