Second half The second half between Romania and Albania kicks off! History in the making.
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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.
The match was balanced, with 11 shots for Romania and 12 for Albania, but the De Biasi guys shot more on target. It’s not the most ideal of preparations for them. Not just the Albanians in Albania, but Albanians who live around the world. He could run for the presidency after this. Ironically, yesterday we had fewer opportunities than the other two games, where we paid a little ‘pressure around us.’ Last night, we got rid of some of this weight. “We were very solid, we closed the spaces and then we tried to counter attack”.
They set about their mission proactively, albeit to an intimidating soundtrack of constant noise from Albania’s fanatical fans, who struck up a racket long before kick-off and kept it up throughout, even as Romania made the stronger start. We’ve already achieved our goal and for that we are very happy.
Anghel Iordanescu bristled at suggestions he has overseen “the shame of the century” as Romania bowed out of Euro 2016.
“The shame of the century?” Not only did Gianni De Biasi’s side play with wonderful enthusiasm but also with quality.
There was a real solidity about Albania as the first half unfolded and they almost took the lead through Ermir Lenjani, but the midfielder fluffed his lines when it looked like he would take the glory. We needed the first two games to settle into the tournament.
Romania began to edge back into the game as their opponents sat back. Czech referee Pavel Kralovec allowed several late challenges to go unpunished, though he did book Migjen Basha for a flying leap into the shoulder of Ovidiu Hoban with only eight minutes gone.
Neither team claimed a victory in their opening two games of Euro 2016. Their threat faded once Albania found some composure and invention on the ball.
Roared on by their noisy fans, many of whom were wearing traditional cone-shaped white caps, the Albanians missed a superb chance in the 23rd minute when left wing Ermir Lenjani skied his close-range shot with the goal at his mercy.
The flowing move injected belief into the Albanian ranks.
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However, the goal did come on 44 minutes – Sadiku heading home after Romanian goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu completely misjudged a cross from the right. Cue scenes of unbridled joy as the striker sank to his knees before a delirious Albanian bench.
