Albania claim historic qualification for Euro 2016

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times October 11, 2015 20:09

Albania claim historic qualification for Euro 2016

alb 2TIRANA, Oct. 11 - Albania's dream of a first ever qualification in a major football competition has finally come true after more than eight decades of attempts.

Albania beat Armenia 3-0 on Sunday night to claim direct qualification in the 2016 UEFA European Championship in a decisive last qualifier for the second place in Group I of the Euro qualifiers to avoid play-offs in case of a possible third place.

Albania's coach Italian Gianni De Biasi praised the team's performance and he dedicated the success to all Albanian fans who have supported the team in every step.

It all started well for Albania who desperately needed a victory after the disastrous stoppage time defeat at home to Serbia few days ago, with an early own-goal by the Armenians. Berat Djimisti scored the second goal to give Albania a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half before striker Armando Sadiku sealed the historic victory which for the first time takes Albania to a major football competition.

Albania climbed to second with 14 points in Group I of the qualifiers, leaving behind Denmark with 12 points who were hoping for a draw in the Armenia-Albania fixture.

Portugal extended their group lead to 21 points after beating Serbia 2-1 in the last qualifier.

Denmark will have another chance in the play-offs while Serbia and Armenia ranked fourth and fifth with 4 and 2 points respectively.

Celebrations kicked off immediately after the final whistle all over Albania, Kosovo and the Albanian Diaspora.

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times October 11, 2015 20:09