Albania 0-1 Spain and Italy 1-1 Croatia - Euro 2024: Live updates (2024)

Phoar, that was one hell of an evening.

This European Championship never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think you have seen it all, bang, another crazy moment happens.

Tonight we were treated to boz office drama in Leipzig as Italy netted a 98th-minute equaliser to dig themselves out of a hole and qualify for the knockout stages.

In turn, they have surely ended Croatia's hopes of the last 16. While they can still make it through via third place, two points is unlikely to be enough.

It was a more straightforward night in Group B's other encounter, as Spain ran out 1-0 winners against Albania in Dusseldorf.

That result also means that England are now through to the next round, regardless of their result tomorrow against Slovenia.

Right, it's time for me to shoot now.

As ever, it's been a privilege to take you through another splendid night of Euros action.

Goodnight!

Before we part ways for another day, let me leave you with our story of tonight's match.

Mail Sport's Matt Barlow had the pleasure of witnessing such a dramatic night in Leipzig.

Well, I bet he didn't feel blessed when he had to re-write his report right at the last second. But that's the game!

It's a brilliant read, as ever.

To read it, click below:

You might be reading that sub-heading thinking 'But England didn't even play this evening?'

That's right, they don't play Slovenia until tomorrow evening, but that doesn't matter.

With Albania losing to Spain, England have now progressed to the knockouts regardless of their result tomorrow.

Even if they lose tomorrow night, the Three Lions' four points are already confirmed to get them through as at least a best third-placed team.

Now time to relax, right?

I don't think so, Gareth Southgate's men will still want to top the group.

Luciano Spalletti, Italy boss, speaking to Sky Sport Italia:

These statistics have actually surprised me quite a bit.

I thought that a draw was a fair result when the whistle was blown for full-time, but going by this, maybe Italy deserved to win.

That's why we watch football with our eyes, I guess. I can only remember two of Italy's 12 shots before the equaliser actually causing any trouble.

Either way, it was a very entertaining second half.

Every cloud has a silver lining, I guess.

I'm pretty sure Luka Modric will not care about this in the slightest, but he did make history tonight.

With his goal, Modric is now the oldest scorer in European Championship history.

It may be the last goal he ever scores in the competition.

This is just cruel...

Luka Modric has been awarded Man of the Match, and they actually made him take a picture with the trophy.

It's fair to say he didn't feel like smiling, which I think is completely fair.

I mean, his team has practically been knocked out.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

They have entertained us a great deal throughout Euro 2024, but Albanian's journey at this tournament is over.

They can be very proud of what they achieved. Although they only leave with a single point, they run some of the world's best teams close, while also breaking a record.

The fans gave them the thank you they deserved at the very end there. It didn't look like a team that had just been knocked out.

Lovely scenes.

Spain really do mean business in this tournament.

Despite making 10 changes to their side this evening, they still got the three points as well as another clean sheet.

They finish the group with three wins from three, they have only done that once before at the European Championship.

When was that I hear you ask?

Well, it was in 2008, and they won the whole thing that year.

Will history repeat itself?

So just how important was that late Italian equaliser? Very.

It means they finish second in group B and set up a date with Switzerland on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Spain's win over Albania means they finish top of the group, and the Albanians prop up the standings.

As for Croatia... Well, they aren't out officially, but two points will surely not be enough.

That's just what champions do, isn't it?

Italy looked like they had run out of ideas, they certainly didn't look like scoring in added time.

I even said to my colleagues that the moment had gone, but one told me that's not how this Euros works.

And he was right.

Italy kept going until the very end, and they found a way. Winners always find a way.

Football is just simply crazy.

Croatia were just 30 seconds from the knockout stages. Their fans were singing, the players were ready to celebrate, but then it call came crashing down.

This sport really takes no prisoners, does it?

Just look at the contrast in emotion among the players and fans. They will all be heartbroken.

Micah Richards, former England international, on BBC One:

We have to go straight to the equaliser.

To compose yourself and finish like that in the last minute of stoppage time is something special.

As the ball came to Mattia Zaccagni form the boot of Riccardo Calafiori, I just knew that a goal was coming.

If you haven't seen the crazy scenes, here you go!

There goes the whistle, the Croatia players sink to the floor.

What an extraordinary finish. Italy were dead and buried, I was already typing the full-time post.

But what a sport football is, eh?

Mattia Zaccagni in the last minute of the game has just kept the defending champions' dream alive.

And he has probably killed Croatia's with it...

ITALY HAVE DONE IT RIGHT AT THE DEATH!

What a goal from Mattia Zaccagni, he bends a beautiful effort beyond Dominik Livakovic.

That might just keep them in the European Championship.

If anyone looks like scoring it's Croatia.

Ivan Perisic is through on the left-hand side but he scuffs his effort over the bar.

Straight back to positions, no time to waste.

The dream is over for Albania.

The Albanian players drop to the floor, they look devastated.

You have to give them credit, they have given it their all this tournament, but it hasn't been enough.

Spain finish the group top with a 100 per cent record. They are the ones to beat at this Euros.

Time is just fading away for Italy, and maybe their Euro 2024 status with it.

They haven't even made a dent in the Croatia defence in stoppage time...

Big, big save from David Raya to deny Armando Broja!

Spain struggle to clear the ball and it feels like it's just sitting there waiting to be hit for an age.

Eventually, Broja obliges with a trivella, and Raya comes across brilliantly to catch the ball at full stretch.

Albania have four minutes to muster something here.

Is that enough time? they have to just go for it!

WOW, where has that come from?

The board is up and there will be eight minutes of stoppage time in Leipzig.

Can Italy find a leveller?

Was that the moment for Italy? I think it was.

Federico Chiesa has his head in his hands. Why? Because Gianluca Scamacca could not turn home his cross from three yards out.

It's a brilliant ball from Chiesa across the six-yard box, and you just think Scamacca is going to meet it and level the score.

But he arrives too late and the chance goes begging.

Albania are not giving up, they just keep pushing.

They bomb forward, and the ball bounces around like a pinball, but it's just not falling for them.

You have to commend their desire to keep going.

Josip Stanisic, that's a very, very naughty challenge.

The full-back takes out Mattia Zaccagni from behind, and the challenge brings an 'oooo' from my office.

He gets booked for it.

That's excellent defending from Alessandro Bastoni, he may have just kept his side in this match.

Croatia launch a counter and they send a cross in toward the big man in the middle, Ante Budimir.

It looks destined to land on his head, but Bastoni rises brilliantly to get there first and nod the ball out of danger.

If he wasn't there, it would probably be 2-0.

The defending champions are running out of time, and maybe ideas with it.

In the last few moments they just look to have lost their way and desperation is creeping in now.

Maybe I should have been so presumptive...

Kristjan Asllani wants to prove me wrong and he drives at the Spain defence before letting fly.

It's a decent strike, but it bounces just wide of the post.

Albania are running out of time and it seems they are running out of energy too.

Spain are just treating the ball like it's their very own training session now.

I can't see this ending anything other than a Spain win now...

Oh, it's Giacomo Raspadori who is given free-kick duties...

He proves why I wasn't expecting him to take it, hitting the wall with his strike, although it does go for a corner.

Nothing comes from it, though.

Davide Frattesi wins a free-kick just outside the area after being pushed over by Josko Gvardiol.

It's in a very, very scoreable position. Nicolo Barella looks like he wants to pull rank here.

It's all Italy now, Croatia simply can't get out of their own box.

Substitute Federico Chiesa has made a massive impact, he is causing the Croatian backline so many problems.

If they keep this up, it won't be long until they are level.

Italy have responded really well to going behind, well, I guess they have no choice but to.

Matteo Darmian keeps drifting in at the back post, and he does so again, but his effort is blocked

Was that the moment for Albania?

They have a huge chance to level it up but Armando Broja can't take it.

The ball is floated over to the substitute and he tries to lob David Raya, but the Arsenal keeper produces a brilliant save.

They aren't out of this just yet.

How are Italy not level???

Alessandro Bastoni pops up yet again, he has a free header, surely he should score?

But he doesn't. He does everything right but find the back of the net, and his header flies inches over the bar.

A huge miss, and he knows it.

Danny Murphy, former England international, commentating on BBC One:

I need a breather after that, I can't believe what I have just witnessed. Utter carnage.

For Luka Modric to pop up like that just moments after a huge penalty miss was incredible.

Now Italy have to gather their thoughts, at the moment they could be heading out.

From zero to hero in minutes!

I said it had been a mad few minutes and it has just got even more mad.

Luka Modric makes up for his penalty miss within 60 seconds, smashing home a rebound after Ante Budimir's shot is saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And the stadium goes absolutely nuts!

Oh my word, it's been saved.

Gianluigi Donnarumma guesses the right way, goes low to his left, and palms Luka Modric's spot kick away.

Modric can't believe it, the fans can't believe it, and I can't believe it. What a mad few minutes.

And it's been given!

VAR does not take long to award the penalty, and it's clear to see why. Davide Frattesi's hand was not in a natural position.

Luka Modric will take...

That has to be a penalty to Croatia, it's hit Davide Frattesi's hand in the area.

VAR are checking, you know what's coming...

Dani Olmo, what was that?

The Spanish winger thinks he has morphed into Xabi Alonso and goes for goal from just inside his own half, and funnily enough, it doesn't go in.

In all fairness, the keeper was miles off his line, but it's a terrible effort.

I thought that was in, I swear that was in! But it isn't.

Spain come out of the traps so quickly and they send the ball into the area looking for Joselu.

The striker tries an acrobatic effort and it's nearly so brilliant, and his volley whistle inches wide.

I still can't believe that didn't end up in the net, quite frankly.

Well, both teams have decided to make substitutions.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been hooked at the break, and Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi replaces him.

Croatia have brought on Ante Budimir for Mario Pasalic.

Anyway, the ball is rolling once again.

Right, we are back underway in Dusseldorf.

Spain have decided to make a change at the break, Robin Le Normand has come on for Aymeric Laporte.

Albania haven't made any changes, can they get back into this one?

Micah Richards, former England international, on BBC One:

Dani Olmo may have struggled with his shooting boots in that half, but he didn't when it came to passing.

The Spaniard produced a lovely pass to feed Ferran Toress for the opener, it was truly exquisite.

It was his fourth assist for Spain in the European Championship, Only Cesc Fabregas has provided more in the tournament for the country, with five.

Not bad, eh?

Want to see the biggest chance of the match? Here you go.

Opportunities were few and far between in that half, but Italy certainly had the best one.

As the ball is met by Alessandro Bastoni, you just think the net is about to bulge, don't you?

Well, it didn't thanks to Dominik Livakovic. A stunning save.

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Leipzig:

That wasn't exactly great, was it?

I was expecting both sides to go at each other, there is so much at stake.

But watching it, you wouldn't think that Italy and Croatia are fighting for their status in this tournament.

The best chance fell to Alessandro Bastoni, but he was foiled by Dominik Livakovic.

Other than that, not too much has happened...

And that's the last action of the first half, there goes the whistle.

In truth, it's been a walk in the park for Spain and they should be leading by three or four.

They haven't been clinical, though, and that Albania chance just before the break proves they are still in this.

It's a big half-time team talk for Sylvinho!

A huge moment for Albania and David Raya foils them!

They have found chances hard to come by so far, but Kristjan Asllani decides he is going to have a crack.

What a crack it is as well, he spears the ball goal-bound but Raya leaps across to deny him.

Is that their big moment gone, or is that too soon?

Danny Murphy, former England international, commentating on BBC One:

The flow of this game is starting to lack, fouls are becoming a common occurrence.

This time Mateo Retegui is hacked down via a high boot, he is ok to continue, though.

The chances have started to dry up in Leipzig.

Ferran Torres causes problems again as he heads over the bar.

It's a lovely cross over to the winger, and he looks set to volley it but decides to go with his head.

Close, but not close enough.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

Albania are clinging on here - for dear life.

Jesus Navas opens up their defence and fires the ball into the feet of Dani Olmo who looks destined to make it 2-0, but his effort from close range is blocked.

This second goal is not far away.

Ferran Tores is simply flying today, Albania are struggling to cope with him.

He races down the right-hand side and he just looks like he's gliding across the grass.

Unfortunately for Spain, the quality of his pass doesn't match his run, and Albania clear.

This game really is starting to come to life.

Croatia try and wrestle back the initiative and they get in behind Italy's defence on the right-hand side.

Luka Modric fires a troubling ball into the area, but it just doesn't fall for Andrej Kramaric after Gianluigi Donnarumma palms it into his path.

If it did, it would have been a big chance for him.

What a save that is by Dominik Livakovic!

he somehow manages to turn Alessandro Bastoni's goal-bound header over the bar, I just thought the net was about to bulge.

The centre-back could not have done any more, it was a brilliant cross, and he met it with power.

Croatia have Livakovic to thank that its still level.

Mateo Retegui is making some brilliant runs, and Italy are starting to find him which is worrying if you are a Croatia fan.

He is slid in behind and looks to go for goal, but his shot is deflected wide, so yet another corner for the Italians.

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Leipzig:

We have the first booking of the game and it goes to Croatian winger Luka Sucic.

He can't have any complaints there, he just takes a swipe at the legs of Lorenzo Pellegrini.

That's much better from Italy.

Mateo Retegui was brought into the side to cause problems, and he just has there.

First, he rises high to meet a delightful cross, but he can't keep his header on target.

Italy then recycle the ball and he finds himself free in the box, the ball is sent into his feet, he turns, but then his half-volley is blocked.

Spain are just very, very good, aren't they?

They are just toying with Albania, it's cruel. Now Dani Olmo wants to have a go, but it's a poor effort and goes miles over the bar.

It's been a superb start from Spain.

Quality has been lacking from both Croatia and Italy so far.

The fireworks aren't quite on display yet, but we know when these two sides get going, they start flying.

The last time I said not much had happened in a game, Spain went and scored...

Oh dear, plastic cups are being thrown from the crowd at the Italians.

It's exactly what you don't want to see at a football match, but we have seen it a lot this tournament.

It needs to stop!

A lovely, lovely goal from Spain!

It's just way too easy for Ferran Torres as he is slid through in behind and finds the back of the net with a low-driven shot via the post.

After a bright Albanian start, it did look like it was starting to come, and it has.

Not the start Albania craved...

I spoke too soon, as always.

Just as I hit post, Joselu rises highest from a free-kick and sends a powerful header toward goal. It flies just over the bar.

I can't tell you just how close that was...

This game is going exactly how it was expected to go, so far.

Spain are enjoying their fair share of the ball, and Albania are letting them come at them before trying to break.

Not too many chances to report yet, though.

A nice little attack from Italy there, the first time they have gone forward.

They work the ball over to Giovanni Di Lorenzo on the right, who is in loads of space.

He drives onto the edge of the area, but his low cross is cleared well.

It's been a lively start to this one.

Now that is some hit from Luka Sucic!

He approaches the area and just decides to have a go, and why not if you can shoot like that.

He unleashes a powerful strike which is heading for the top corner but Gianluigi Donnarumma tips it over the bar at full stretch.

A brilliant hit, and a brilliant save.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

It took just 10 seconds for Spanish veteran Jesus Navas to get snapped in half.

He is rolling around on the floor, and I bet he is thinking 'I am too old for this'.

It doesn't take long for him to recover, though.

Can we not just rewind to the national anthems? I enjoyed that.

Luckily, we are straight into the action in what is a huge night for Croatia and Italy.

Who will come out on top, who will qualify? We are about to find out!

There are already flares going off in the ground, the atmosphere is bouncing.

There is a huge roar as Spain get the ball rolling in Dusseldorf.

Can Albania cause an upset?

I absolutely adore Italy's national anthem.

Every time that I hear it I find myself trying to sing along even though I have zero Italian speaking skills.

Once again it is sung to perfection by the players and the fans, and they finish off with their signature scream.

Arguably the best national anthem out there (sorry Scotland fans).

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

Dusseldorf is a sea of red, unsurprisingly...

The fans are having a hell of a time as kick-off slowly approaches, the vibe is immaculate.

The players have gone through the motions of their warm-up and are now back in the changing room.

These are the moments when the nerves start to grow, well, for the Albania fans anyway.

Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, speaking on BBC Radio 5Live:

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Leipzig:

Yes, there is a possibility that England qualify for the knockout stages this evening.

I know they don't play Slovenia until tomorrow, but it's still plausible.

If Albania fail to win this evening, England will be guaranteed a best third-placed knockout spot, even if they lose tomorrow.

Get your Spain flags at the ready!

Well, they have met many times before.

The two generations of Italian keeper have both enjoyed special times with their country, that's for sure.

Both were heroes in major final penalty shootouts. Gianluigi Buffon won the World Cup in 2006, while Gianluigi Donnarumma triumphed at the Euros in 2021.

I wonder what was said in this moment? Maybe, 'Don't mess up tonight'.

Watch out for an early goal from Albania tonight!

They have gained a reputation as the fast-starters of Euro 2024, and for good reason.

In their opening match against Italy, they netted after just 23 seconds, a record in European Championship football.

Against Croatia, they scored the opener after just 11 seconds. So, what time will they score tonight do you reckon?

I'm going for 13 minutes.

David Raya gets his chance in between the sticks for Spain tonight.

Look, it will be hard for him to shift Unai Simon out of the side for the big games, but if he puts in a storming performance tonight you just never know.

Ray's first cap for his country came against Albania in a 2-1 win, and he now plays them in his first major tournament appearance.

He will want a clean sheet tonight, though.

The Croatia fans are starting to pile into the Red Bull Arena ahead of their crunch match with Italy.

One of the supporters spotted is Ivana Knoll, who has been dubbed as the World Cup's 'sexiest fan'.

She and thousands of others are having fun in the sun as the players prepare to do battle.

The atmosphere is already buzzing in Leipzig.

Zlatko Dalic, Croatia boss, speaking on Sunday:

It's a very big evening for Mateo Retegui, who is leading the line for Italy tonight.

Both of his appearances in this tournament so far have come off the bench, but now he is getting the chance to show what he has got from the start.

I was impressed by his tenacity against Spain, he gave his side an outlet that they had been lacking with Gianluca Scamacca.

If he plays well tonight, he may just keep his spot.

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Leipzig:

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

Just the solitary change for Albania then.

Sylvinho has not felt the need to switch it up quite as much as his counterpart, but Ivan Balliu does come in for Elseid Hysaj.

Albania XI: Strakosha; Balliu, Djimsiti, Ajeti, Mitaj; Laci, Ramadani, Asllani; Asani, Manaj, Bajrami

And now Luciano Spalletti has named his 11 to take on Croatia.

The Italian boss has decided to switch up[ his formation to a back three, with Matteo Darmian coming in.

Giacomo Raspadori and Maeto Retegui both came off the bench to spice things up against Spain and get their opportunity to start up front today.

Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginho; Raspadori, Retegui, Pellegrini.

This is how soon...

Zlatko Dalic has revealed the 11 he has tasked with securing qualification for the knockout stages.

He has made four changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Albania. Mario Pasalic, Luka Sucic, Josip Stanisic, and Marin Pongracic all come into the team.

Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Sucic, Kramaric, Pasalic.

Over in Leipzig, both Croatia and Italy are in the Red Bull Arena.

The sun is shining once again over there, and it is a stunning setting to do battle.

Which players will be in the fight, though? We will know very soon.

Now the excitement starts to ramp up that bit more.

Group B leaders, Spain, are in the building. They are currently checking out the turf and seem fairly relaxed.

I mean, most of the players photographed aren't even starting, Luis de la Fuente has not held back on the changes.

It will be interesting to see what difference it makes.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Dusseldorf:

Luis de la Fuente has made just the 10 changes, so not many...

Aymeric Laporte is the only player from their 1-0 win over Italy who keeps his place.

David Raya takes his place between the sticks, 38-year-old Jesus Navas gets the nod, and Joselu is up top.

I'm sure Albanian fans eyes have just lit up seeing this line-up.

Spain XI: Raya; Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Zubimendi, Merino; Ferran, Olmo, Oyarzabal, Joselu.

The Croats know how to create an atmosphere, just look at these scenes.

The pyro is out, the smoke has taken over Leipzig, and the chants are well and truly being sung.

It's a big day for Croatia, it could be their last at this tournament, and they are enjoying themselves.

Get me in there, it looks like great fun.

It feels like Croatia's golden generation is coming to the end of its tenure.

This tournament has been a tough one for Croatia and its fans, they don’t strike the same fear into sides as they did between 2018 and 2022.

The majority of the players remain the same, but that is part of the problem, they have not progressed.

It is surely the last time we see the likes of Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic taking their spots in midfield next to each other at a major tournament.

Can they eek that little more life out of it tonight, or will they be sent packing?

It's fair to say that Italy are not very fond of Croatia - in a footballing sense.

They are yet to beat them since they turned independent, despite facing them on eight separate occasions.

Five of those have been draws, which would be enough for Italy to see them through tonight.

Can they break the hoodoo, though?

Luciano Spalletti, Italy boss, speaking on Sunday:

Yes, Italy are usually slow starters in major tournaments, but their defeat to Spain was rather humbling, wouldn’t you say?

They did only lose 1-0, but my word were they dominated from the word go until the final whistle. It could have easily been three or four.

As defending champions, they have to bounce back, and tonight is the perfect chance to make a statement.

With a new-look spine to the team, and Luciano Spalletti at the helm, things are rather different to three years ago when they lifted the trophy.

They are still a top-side, though, so don’t rule them out just yet.

Exhilarating, electrifying, breathtaking – all adjectives that can describe this Spain side.

Coming into this tournament, I told my friends to watch out for Spain, saying that they would go far - they all laughed in my face.

Who’s laughing now, eh?

In all seriousness, I’m not sure many people outside of Spain envisaged this youthful Spanish side to be as impressive as they have been, so far.

They dispatched Croatia with ease, shipping three past them, before putting in a commanding display to beat Italy. Now they have people calling them the favourites for the trophy.

The names on the roster will change this evening, but that may not matter, the football they have been playing has been a joy to watch even when substitutes are made.

I am really looking forward to seeing them strut their stuff this evening. Expect fireworks.

The Albania fans look like they are having a good time, that's for sure.

It's a huge day for their side, one that not many of their fans thought would have such big permutations.

They don't look like they are feeling the pressure, though, good vibes only.

It's what we love to see.

Oh boy, am I excited for this one...

Just a few years ago, this is a tie you’d expect to see in the later rounds of a major international competition. This year, they’re fighting just to get out of the same group.

It’s fair to say that both sides have seen fall-offs. In 2018, Croatia were World Cup finalists, while just under three years ago Italy lifted the European Championship trophy aloft at Wembley.

Both sides have been far from convincing in their opening two games, Croatia specifically, but their fight is not over yet.

Croatia simply have to win, anything less and they can wave goodbye to their Euro 2024 status.

Italy, though, just have to avoid defeat. Plain and simple. It is unlikely that we see both of these sides make it out of this group.

You know what that means, tonight will be pure theatre.

Just imagine the scenes if Albania win tonight, ‘One Kiss’ will be belted out on streets across the world.

If you don’t get the reference, it’s because the artist of that song, Dua Lipa, is of Albanian descent.

And if you don’t know her, I really can’t help you.

Anyway, back to the football. Nobody gave Albania even the tiniest sniff of getting out of the group prior to this tournament. Well, they have certainly picked up the scent of the knockout stages.

Standing in their way are Spain, who have been simply majestic so far in this competition. They have been my favourite team to watch, by far.

So, if Albania are to qualify, it’s going to take a mammoth effort to do so, and a win doesn’t even guarantee a place in the knockouts if they finish third.

Whatever happens, they’ve had one hell of a journey.

Tonight’s permutations are massive.

Three sides are still fighting to progress from Group B, it’s a real dogfight.

Spain are not one of those sides, they are sitting pretty at the top after winning their opening two games with ease. They have already qualified and need just a point to finish top of the group.

Below them is where it gets really interesting.

Italy sit second on three points and need to avoid defeat against Croatia later to progress. Sounds easy enough, right? It won’t be.

If they lose, and Albania beat Spain, the defending champions will be out. And if that happens, Albania could finish in second, while you’d expect Croatia to qualify in third on four points.

Croatia can also finish second if Albania lose, and they beat Italy, but if the Azzurri come out on top, that spot is theirs.

Basically, anything could happen…

Tonight’s menu is looking tasty, scrumptious even.

The drama of last night showed exactly why these group stage deciders are just so entertaining.

This evening, it’s the turn of Group B. In Dusseldorf, minnows Albania will be taking on the already qualified Spain, hoping to spring a surprise.

Meanwhile, two giants of international football will collide in Leipzig – Croatia and Italy. It is a possibility that one of these sides will not make it through to the round of 16.

If those first few paragraphs have not gotten you excited for this evening, are you even a football fan? Because I know I’m chomping at the bit.

It’s going to be a cracking evening of football; I can just feel it. I simply can’t wait any longer to guide you through it.

Let’s get started then, shall we?