16 years after their last Euro triumph, France are hoping to achieve what they did 32 years ago - to win it on home soil. As hosts of UEFA Euro 2016, Les Bleus have been pitted as favorites due to their home pitch advantage, but they will have many more games to go if they want to reach the final on July 10th. Meanwhile, their upcoming opponents Albania are chartering through unfamiliar waters as one of five debutants at this summer's tournament, and will be aspiring to spring an upset as the two sides clash at the Stade Vélodrome this Wednesday.
France
It wasn't easy, but Didier Deschamps's men have managed to start off their tournament on the right foot. In their opening match against Romania, they faced a team determined to fight tooth and nail - but not hunkering down and playing for a draw. They were given a scare in the second half when the Romanians pulled one back via penalty, but then a very late - and brilliant - goal from West Ham's Dimitri Payet was enough to seal the win and sent social media ablaze with exuberant Les Bleus supporters.
Dimitri Payet's impressive late strike, along with Olivier Giroud's second-half goal gave France all three points in their Euro 2016 opener last Friday
A win in their upcoming match will certainly seal a spot in the knockout rounds and give them some breathing room before taking on Switzerland in their final group stage game. However, although they had held the historical advantage in competitive meetings, they will definitely be coming into this match wary of the potential problems Albania could pose this Wednesday.
Both Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba were reportedly suffering from slight knocks, but apparently both key midfielders were able to resume normal training - something that will certainly alleviate the concerns of French supporters ahead of this must-win match.
Albania
As one of several debutants at this tournament, Albania are naturally viewed as the underdogs. That being said, not much has been expected of the Eagles, and many have written off their chances at even getting out of their group. However, Gianni De Biasi's side put in an impressive shift in their opener against Switzerland. Although they ended up losing 1-0, they put in an excellent fight especially considering that they had the play most of the match with a man down.
Lorik Cana's suspension will leave a big void in the center of defense for the debutants
In the first half, captain Lorik Cana was sent off after a moment of madness, leaving Albania to have to play over 60 minutes with ten men. Whilst a morale win will not put any points in the bank, Albania will still be fancying their chances at an upset - especially since in their last two meetings they have managed to give the Euro 2016 hosts quite a bit of trouble.
Which channel is broadcasting France vs Albania on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade Vélodrome to catch France vs Albania live? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together plenty of options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some options for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN, SiriusXM FC, ESPN3 USA, ESPN Deportes Radio, WATCH ESPN
- In France at 21.00 CET on: TF1, beIN Sports 2, beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France
- In Albania at 21.00 CET on: Top Channel Albania, SuperSport 2 Digitalb
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: TalkSport Radio UK, The ITV Hub, BBC Radio 5 Live, STV Scotland, ITV 1 UK
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, TSN4, RDS, TSN5, TSN3, TSN1
Live elsewhere? Check out our special France vs Albania broadcast page for viewing times and options for yur current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
France vs Albania - Did you know?
- Albania have never beaten France in a competitive fixture
- In fact, they have lost their past four meetings, whilst conceding 11 and scoring just once
- However, they managed to edge them out 1-0 in a friendly played on June 13, 2015
- France have not lost their last four matches played in Marseille (three wins and one draw)
- France have not beaten Albania since 2011
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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