Albania is at a major competition for the second time, at the Euros for the second time - proof that the premier placement, at the EP in France 2018, was not accidental.
Eight years later, the "home team" (red and black) have an even better, more complete, more dangerous team - the problem is a difficult, the most difficult possible group with world giants Italy, Spain, but also Croatia.
That's why the team led by the former left back of Arsenal and Barcelona, the Brazilian Silvinho, and who is assisted by the former right back of Manchester City, an Argentinian Pablo Sabaleta, they don't give much chance to reach the round of 16. In fact, reaching the second stage would be quite a feat.
The Albanians, it can be said, got an unfairly difficult group, considering how they rode through the qualification - for the first time in the history of a qualification cycle, they finished in first place, leaving behind the Euro participants the Czech Republic and Poland. At the "Air Albania" stadium in Tirana, the Poles conceded three goals (3:0), and the Czechs conceded two goals (2:0).
Eight years ago, Albania was able to reach the historic placement in the second stage, after an excellent performance in the group - against the host France, the defeat came at the very end (2:0, goals Griezmann i Pajea in stoppage time), against strong Switzerland at the very beginning (1:0, Char in the 5th minute), and because of the 1:0 victory against Romania, the team led by the Italian at the time Giovanni de Biasi until the last day of the group competition, he hoped to place as one of the four best third-placed teams. The Albanians, however, were fifth - they had to return home.
It is believed that they can offer even more in Germany - but the rivals will also be vicious.
The Albanian team with, as usual, a foreigner on the bench, is a good mix of experience - there are the deganzivac Lazio Eljsid Hisaj, his colleague from Atalanta Berat Đimsiti - and promising talents - it is enough to mention Inter's midfielder Kristjan Aslani and the Chelsea forward on loan at Fulham, Armanda Broja.
Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha guards the Empoli net, Roma is for a defender Marasha Kumbula paid Verona 30 million, then loaned him to Sassuolo, while midfielder Jiber Ramadani is a teammate of our Nikola Krstović in Leće.
With the traditional, almost fanatical fight when playing for the national team, Silvinho impeccable tactical setup, collective spirit, but also some individual quality - it is clear that the Albanians can harm the Spaniards, the Italians and the Croats. Maybe to surprise someone.
They open the European Championship on June 15 with a duel with the Italians in Dortmund, four days later they meet Croatia in Hamburg, and they end the group stage - and the appearance at the Euro - with a clash with the Spaniards on June 24 in Dusseldorf.
It is expected that Silvinho's team will have good support from the stands at every match, because over 300 Albanians live in Germany.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Berisha - Ismajli, Mitaj, Đimsiti, Hisaj - Bare, Asllni - Bejrami, Uzuni, Daku - Broja.
Albania and the Euro
It performs so far: 1
The greatest success: Group stage 2016.
The last Euro: EP 2016, group stage
Most EP appearances: Eight players of 3 each
Most goals in the EP: Armando Sadiku (1)
Captain: Berat Đimšiti
The first star: Kristjan Aslani
Matches at the EP: Italy (June 15, Dortmund), Croatia (June 19, Hamburg), Hungary (June 24, Dusseldorf)
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
