Albania were determined to score their first win ever at a European Championship and this showed on the pitch. Otherwise, Albania contained Romania while Sadiku continued to trouble Romania’s defence.
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De Biasi: “We will have to prepare as if we’ll be playing on Friday or Saturday”.
“I was very pleased with our performance, and pleased we could give such a big joy to our fans”, De Biasi said.
It was Albania who raced out of the traps quickest, as Romania looked disorganised and exposed.
The win in Lyon gives Albania a slim chance of qualifying from their group as one of four third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout round.
Armando Sadiku scored the sole goal in the match in the 43rd minute.
While the large contingent of Albanians in the Stade de Lyon relished the victory, celebrations erupted back home. “I think we controlled the game but we didn’t manage to create clear chances – we weren’t decisive enough in front of goal”.
For all Romania’s superiority in the early stages, Albania would have gone ahead if not for the profligacy of Lenjani, who blazed Andi Lila’s ball to the far post over with the goal at his mercy following a well-worked move.
Speaking to Digi Sport television, forward Florin Andone accepts Romania must produce the required focus if they are to secure a qualification lifeline. Memushaj forced Tatarusanu into a low save on the hour as Albania pressed for a second, but their dreams were almost shattered when substitute Florin Andone rattled the crossbar on 76 minutes.
The monumental moment came in the 43rd minute when Ledian Memushaj floated a risky ball to the back post which allowed Sadiku to send a well-timed header beyond Ciprian Tatarusanu and inside the opposite upright, sparking emotional scenes on the touchline.
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.
Meanwhile, hosts France clinched top spot in Group A with a goalless draw against Switzerland that took their opponents through to the last 16 as well.
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Albania survived a nervous start, growing in confidence throughout the game and scoring with a header from striker Armando Sadiku just before half time.
