De Biasi: “We will have to prepare as if we’ll be playing on Friday or Saturday”. They were also without a win in eight competitive meetings with Romania but that did not deter fans from as far as the United States travelling to the Group A finale.
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As in their opening two defeats, Albania started carelessly with naivety in possession helping Romania to dominate the early exchanges. “I’m sure we gave huge joy to the Albanian fans”, he said.
Albania now have a few days’ wait to find out whether their three points from Group A will be enough to take them through to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Speaking to Digi Sport television, forward Florin Andone accepts Romania must produce the required focus if they are to secure a qualification lifeline.
In the second half Albania’s resilience shone through, as desperate Romania rung the changes but again failed to translate possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Bogdan Stancu did better, meeting a dropping ball with a superb volley, and although Etrit Berisha was equal to it, the Albania No1’s team-mates appeared decidedly nervy in front of him.
Sadiku’s 43rd minute header sparked incredible scenes among the Albania players and supporters as they wildly celebrated their country’s first-ever goal – and crucially, win – at a major tournament.
Host nation France progressed as group winners following a 0-0 draw with second-placed Switzerland as Albania finished third on three points, but Romania exited with just a single point. They have great players, but they can’t take that group and form it into a team.
“I’m very happy for the team, in the first two games we didn’t get what we deserved, but today we won against a team that are very hard to play against, very well organised defensively”.
Facing the media after the game, Iordanesu, voted Romania’s Coach of the Century, was accused of orchestrating “the shame of the century”, as a member of the press attacked the manager’s team selection and questioned his future.
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The striker pointed where he wanted the ball and Ledian Memushaj provided a looping cross, allowing Sadiku to lob his header over stranded goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu-who misjudged the flight of the ball.
