Over aged Albania outclass Northern Irish youngsters

March 03, 2010| Altin Zeqiri, ALBANIAN TIMES

Albania beat Northern Ireland 1 - 0 in a friendly match in Qemal Stafa, Tirana.
All odds were for northern Irish side to win in Tirana but the classy Albanians were unbreakable.

British newspapers predicted 2 - 0 to the Irish side but they were basing the facts of better side in the FIFA world ranking with Northern Ireland ranked at the 39th place whilst Albania on the 96th place.

The only goal of the match for Albanians came on the 28th minute. The 33 year old Ervin Skela on his 60th international cap curls home a magnificent 25-yard free-kick after George McCartney had been hauled back for a challenge on Erion Bogdani. Albania gets the goal their first-half play deserves.

In the second half Stephen Craigan headed against the bar and then fired a shot against a post with Rory Patterson almost scoring from the rebound.

The match was played on a quagmire of a playing surface and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maik Taylor was called into action on 24 minutes when he tipped over a long-range dipping effort from Skela.

Substitute goalkeeper Tuffey saved a Salahi header, and also a low drive from Bakaj.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington saw his side outplayed by Albania in the friendly in Tirana.

Albania were well in control and Angolli dragged a shot wide in the 42nd minute with the defence all at sea.

Northern Ireland’s record scorer David Healy was back in the starting line-up but Sammy Clingan was a late withdrawal with a virus and was replaced by Michael O'Connor.

Albania was by far the better side in the 90 minutes and had many chances to double the scoring. A well deserved win for the home side.

Albania: Hidi, Lila, Dallku, Vangjeli, Angolli, Lala, Curri, Bulku, Duro, Skela, Bogdani. Subs: Beqaj, Cana, Kapllani, Hyka, Bakaj, Vila, Salihi.

Northern Ireland: Taylor, Little, McGivern, McCartney, Craigan, O'Connor, McGinn, Davis, Healy, Lafferty, McCann. Subs: Tuffey, Carson, Kirk, Shiels, Patterson, Evans.

Referee: Elir Pilav (Sarajevo)

FIFA World Cup 1966
The first time that Albania competed for a place in the world's elite, for the 1966 World Cup in England, was in a match against Netherlands on 24 May 1964. Drawn in Group 5 with the Dutch were also Northern Ireland and Switzerland. Albania's only point in the qualification round came from a 1–1 draw at home to Northern Ireland in Tirana, which denied Northern Ireland a place in the Finals.

Rank – Team – Pts
1 – Switzerland - 9
2 - Northern Ireland – 8
3 - Netherlands – 6
4 – Albania - 1

Northern Ireland to play Albania away in March friendly

Northern Ireland will travel to play Albania in a friendly international match on Wednesday 3 March, with the National Stadium, Tirana the venue.

The kick-off time for the fixture against the nation currently ranked 96th in the Fifa world rankings has yet to be confirmed.

The last time Northern Ireland played Albania was in a World Cup qualifier in Zurich on 10 September, 1997.

That match ended in a 1-0 defeat and was Bryan Hamilton's last game as boss.

There had been speculation that Nigel Worthington's side would face Belgium or Austria on that date but the Albanians will now be the opponents.

Worthington has verbally agreed a new contract to manage Northern Ireland during the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The new qualifying campaign will begin in September.

Blackout In Albania As Real Madrid Beat Gramozi

Los Blancos ousted Albanian side Gramozi in a bizarre midweek fixture...

By Feras Saad
Jan 21, 2010 3:35:00 PM

Real Madrid beat Gramozi Ereske 2-1 last night in the 2010 edition of the 'Oil Cup'. The game, organised by Albanian oil tycoon Rezart Taci, saw a power outage that lasted for almost two hours at half-time.

Gramozi opened the scoring in the third minute, as young striker Xhafaj powered a header past the helpless Jerzy Dudek.

Real Madrid then took control of the game, but couldn't find a way through until the 37th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo chipped a delightful ball to Kaka, who found the back of the net with a precise header, to end the first half level at 1-1.

However, the game was not to resume for another hour and a half, as a power outage saw the electricity in the city of Tirana unexpectedly go out.

The blackout kept both sides in the dressing room until the electricty was restored by an emergency generator. However, it took the floodlights another fifteen minutes to fully turn on.

Despite angry cries from the fans in the stadium, the second half started quickly with Manuel Pellegrini bringing on Karim Benzema in attack. The French striker scored in the 80th minute to round off the game at 2-1.

In light of the incident, the Albanian Football Federation announced that the stadium manager was to be sacked, effective immediately.

While Real Madrid pocketed at cool €2.5 million from the match, the proceeds from the match were donated to victims of a flooding incident in north Albania.

Manuel Pellegrini and company hastily returned to the Spanish capital after the game, where they today begin preparing for Sunday's league clash against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. (Goal.com)

Real Madrid to play Albania friendly

MADRID, Jan 6, 2010 (AFP) - Real Madrid will collect 2.5 million euros to face Albanian champions Gramozi Erseke, owned by oil magnate Rezart Taci, in a friendly match on January 20, Spanish media reported on Wednesday.

"The contract has been signed and everything is ready for the match on the 20th," said Milton Nushi, a spokesman for Taci's firm Taci Oil International, the online edition of Spanish sports daily Marca reported.

"There will be no absences, the entire team is coming, including its president, Florentino Perez," he added, according to the newspaper.

Gramozi Erseke's line-up against the Spanish giants for the the "Taci Oil Cup" at Tirana's Qemal Stafa stadium will include some stars from rival teams.

Last year Taci brought AC Milan for a friendly match against KF Tirana for the single game tournament. The Italian side won on penalties 5-4 after the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

Taci, 38, made headlines in the international media in 2009 when he offered to buy Italy's Seria A soccer club Bologna, but backed out at the last moment.

Real Madrid secure bumper pay-day with Albania friendly

Real Madrid's Galacticos are set to pay their own way after a mega bucks tour deal was struck with Albanian oil baron Rezart Taci.

Real will take part in the 'Taci Oil Cup' in Tirana in December, with the Madrid giants receiving a cool €2 million for the appearance.

The agreement has been struck, though no contracts are yet signed.

Real's opponents will be Albanian champions Gramozi Ersekë, with their line-up also boasting some stars from rival teams. Last year Rezart Taci brought AC Milan for a friendly match against KF Tirana which ended 3 all draw and Milan won on penalties 5-4.

Real will take part in the first “Taci Oil Cup” trophy. The tournament, which consists of a single game, is programmed at the Qemal Stafa stadium of Tirana. The friendly between the Galacticos and KF Gramozi has the objective to collect funds for Albania Reads project approved by UNICEF which aims to build new libraries in the whole country, with the objective to transmit culture to the Albanian youth through reading.

Rezart Taci , the Albanian billionaire who last year he made an offer to buy Bologna but he pulled out in the last minute before signing the contract whilst he now is interested to buy AC Milan. Given that he is close friends with Berlusconi and that he has shares in AC Milan he has shown interest in becoming the boss of the Rossoneri. (Erind Kurti – Albanian Times)

Albania U-21 vs. Austria U-21

Albania will be "faced" against Austria in this difficult match for the qualification of European Under 21. It will be a tough match for both teams but especially for Albania that still can't comeback to the positive result. This team had tried so much lately to comeback and win something but the quality that they have isn't enough to help them

Austria have many talented and quality players and this should effect in pressure the the youngsters of Albania. I was suprised when I saw the odds on them as Albania doesn't have to much quality to be compared with that type of team. The only positive results that this team took from this qualification were the draw away against Azerbaijan and the win at home again against them.

This time will not be Azerbaijan but will be an completed team like Austria that will try to hit the target from the early minutes. That happened just some month ago when we saw Albania losing with the result 3-1 in Austria.

Being at home will not change anything at this team as Austria is much better team and will manage better the control of the match today. In this situation Albania can't do anything to change and in my opinion the odds on Austria are a bit higher. It should be an easy match for Austria and I take it without hesitation as I believe that Austria will profit from every mistake of Albanian defense.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce doesn't want Albania star Lorik Cana to change his ways even if he is suspended

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says Lorik Cana won't change his style for the Premier League.

The Albania international picked up his fourth booking during his impressive performance against Liverpool on Saturday and Bruce is resigned to losing his captain for at least one suspension this season.

Cana's second-half performance in the 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light was particularly impressive after Bruce was forced to switch the summer signing from Marseille to centre-back after George McCartney withdrew at half-time

Bruce, who first spotted Cana playing for Sunderland against Liverpool in the Champions League, said the Wearside cult hero will not change his style of play.

The Sunderland manager said: 'I knew he was captain of his country and you don’t captain Marseille and a club like that if you don’t have something about you.

'I couldn’t believe they were making him available because of what he was in that part of the world. And it was possibly the easiest transfer we made as well. I couldn’t believe how easy it was.

'We agreed the fee in 24 hours, he came and flew to Amsterdam and signed that night. He didn’t want time to think about it or go around the stadium or hear about what we were trying to do. He just wanted to come and play in England.

'I told him people in England will love the way you’ll play. You maybe wouldn’t be appreciated in France or Spain, but the English will love you.

His second half performance against Liverpool was arguably, individually, as good as i’ve seen in a top top game and I’ve seen some good ones. He was immense.

'Both he and Lee Cattermole epitomise everything I like in a footballer. They go out and give everything they’ve got. They might not be technically gifted like some individuals but when you’ve got players like that in the team you can go to bed early on a Friday night and not worry.

'I knew Lorik would turn out to be a cult figure here and he’s proven to be that.

'You can’t take away his exuberance. He makes a genuine attempt to get the ball, it’s his nature. When you tackle as many times as he does, you’re going to get caught, but he doesn’t mean to do anything malicious.

'He just wants to try and tackle people and win the ball back. Ten years ago, that wouldn’t have been a yellow card but we knew about that when we were signing him and I’d rather have it than not. We’ll have to make sure we deal with it when the suspension comes.'

Sunderland are still awaiting the results of scans to Lee Cattermole and Kenwyne Jones who were both carried off on stretchers on Saturday.

Albania beats Ireland in inaugural Copa N.Y.C. Final

BY CLAUDIA CRUZ

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 5:52 PM EDT
The excitement of two weekends of intense tackles, penalty kicks, and goals came to a dramatic conclusion when Albania beat Ireland 4-1 in the finals of the inaugural Copa N.Y.C. soccer tournament.

“We had a great turnout at last night's championship match and were blessed with great weather despite the forecast, allowing for a spectacular show of fierce competition,” said tournament co-founder Chris Noble on the Copa N.Y.C. website, www.copanyc.us.

The “Golden Ball” award went to NYC Albania team captain Rigels Qosa and the “Golden Boot” recipient was Dwayne Kellyman of NYC Jamaica.

Copa N.Y.C. started off with 16 teams that brought together former professionals and amateurs from across the world all living in New York City. But those teams dwindled down to two for the final match played at the Maspeth’s Metropolitan Oval on Sunday, August 2, after Albania beat Argentina 2-1 both goals scored by Marsel Duskaj and Ireland pounded Cypress 4-1 in double overtime and penalty kicks the previous day.

Prior to the final matchup, The Queens Courier had a chance to talk to Noble about his experience thus far.

“The tournament has been beyond my expectations,” he said. “When people put on their national colors it raises the level of competition.”

Noble hopes, in addition to bringing the tournament back for a second year, that the Copa N.Y.C. will help develop players for the U.S. National Team as well as a strong soccer fan base.

“We want the U.S. team to win a World Cup but we got to get used to playing at this level. We also think it’s about time to bring the World Cup back to the U.S.,” he said. “We hope this is our contribution.”

The winner will receive the “Mayor’s Cup” and, though Mayor Michael Bloomberg could not make the tournament, he has invited Noble and the winning team to City Hall on Thursday, August 6. The team will also be honored at a New York Red Bulls game on August 15.

“Soccer is a unifying factor,” Noble said. “Because of the international aspect of this town, if you are not a part of it, what are you doing? It’s a great sport to bring people together.”

Flamurtari 1-0 Motherwell

Motherwell lost the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie against Albanian hosts Flamurtari. After a goalless first half, the visitors were awarded a penalty just after the break when John Sutton was fouled by Bledion Guga. Sutton, who had earlier hit the bar, netted from 12 yards but was ordered to retake the spot-kick and goalkeeper Shpetim Mocka saved the second attempt.

And Emir Strati punished Well when he struck the winner after 66 minutes.
Motherwell, who fielded an unchanged starting line-up to the one which beat Llanelli last week, endured a three-hour journey from Tirana and arrived at Stadiumi Flamurtari two hours before kick-off.

The searing heat in Vlorë prompted referee Fritz Stuchlik to take the unusual step of stopping the match for a two-minute water break in both halves.

The hosts created the first meaningful chance when a Roberto Alviz pass landed at the feet of Franc Velui but the defender could not direct his effort on target.

Well, who had new signing Steve Jennings on the bench, came close when Stephen Hammell's 25-yard free-kick curled over.

Both sides were forced into substitutions before the break with Odise Roshi replacing Ardit Shehaj for Flamurtari and Motherwell's Jonathan Page introduced for Steven Saunders.

As half-time approached, Sutton was inches away from opening the scoring when he headed Keith Lasley's lofted cross against the bar.

Flamurtari responded with Roshi heading another Alviz corner onto the top of the bar and the woodwork came to the visitors' rescue again early in the second half when Devis Mema's low shot rebounded off the post.

Motherwell were given the opportunity to score an away goal in the 56th minute after Guga tugged Sutton's shirt in the box as Flamurtari tried to defend Hammell's free-kick.

Sutton thought he had opened the scoring only to be ordered to take the penalty again with referee Fritz Stuchlik insisting there had been encroachment by a home player.

And Mocka made a crucial block by pushing the ball past the post.

Having escaped the penalty scare, Flamurtari set about gaining an advantage to take into the second leg and were rewarded when Strati's half-volley from 20 yards found the bottom-left corner of the net.

Motherwell rallied in search of a leveller but left themselves exposed at the back and Mema's replacement Elhan Galica drew a save from Fraser.

Jamie Murphy got a sight of goal deep into injury-time but the substitute was frustrated by another Mocka save.

The second leg takes place at Airdrie United's Excelsior Stadium next Thursday with Motherwell's Fir Park still undergoing remedial work.

Flamurtari: Mocka, Beqiri, Guga, Veliu, Begaj, Strati, Ngjele (Junior 46), Zeqiri, Alviz, Shehaj (Roshi 36), Mema (Galica 77).
Subs Not Used: Xhelilaj, Sakaj, Merxha, Kuqi.

Booked: Begaj, Guga, Strati.

Goals: Strati 66.

Motherwell: Fraser, Saunders (Page 40), Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, O'Brien, Lasley, Forbes (Murphy 74), Slane, McGarry (Fitzpatrick 64), Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Kosiorowski, Jennings, Hutchinson, McHugh.

Booked: Forbes, Hammell.

Att: 4,012

Ref: Fritz Stuchlik (Austria).

Sligo left with massive task in the second leg in Shkodra

LIKE so many other nights in the unspectacular history of League of Ireland sides in Europe, it was a case of so near yet so far for Sligo Rovers.

Last season, the width of a goalpost came between Drogheda United and one of the biggest achievements from a domestic side on the continent.

And, again, it was a case of what might have been as Paul Cook's side conceded two crucial away goals in the first round of the Europa League at the Showgrounds, leaving a huge mountain to climb for the Bit O'Red in the daunting return leg in Albania.

While they pulled a late goal back through local hero Rafael Cretaro's spot-kick, this was a tie that was there for the taking and the defeat will feel all the more cruel because Rovers bossed it from the very start.

"I don't think we were good enough, I don't think we showed enough passion, enough life, I thought the game passed us by. I thought the occasion was far too much for some of our players," said a disconsolate Cook afterwards.

"I thought we got what we deserved, people will say we were unlucky, that doesn't wash with me. We put our players under pressure to go out and enjoy themselves and we froze, whether the players like it or not, and that's the disappointing thing.

"I can't stand people without desire and life to play and tonight we stunk of that in the second half."

The opener was particularly facile for the away side, as right winger Dritan Smajlaj roamed across the field unchallenged before firing a spectacular strike in at Richard Brush's left-hand post.

Owen Morrison had been the focal point of almost every burst forward for Sligo, turning inside onto his good right foot before whipping in an almost identical ball.

The best chance came when the former Derry winger latched onto a long Danny Ventre ball, with a delightful first touch taking him inside his marker, before finding Romuald Boco on the far post, who rattled the bar with his close-range volley.

It was a gilt-edged opportunity for the Benin international and it would have been a deserved opener as they continued to exploit the plentiful gaps in the Vllaznia defence.

Crucial

And it was to prove more crucial on 75 minutes, when Alan Keane deflected in a Noracim Shtubina cross for another devastating blow.

To Rovers' credit, they fought back with great spirit and they could easily have escaped with a draw as they were handed two penalties in the final 10 minutes.

First, Keane, attempting to atone for his own goal, smashed against the bar with nine minutes to go, before Cretaro tucked the second home five minutes later after the Albanians' 'keeper was sent off for striking Richard Ryan with an arm.

But, as they continued to push, it wasn't to be as they are left with a massive task next Thursday in the second leg.

Sligo Rovers -- Brush; Keane, Ventre, Feeney (Noctor 64), Holmes; Morrison, O'Grady, Ryan, Cash (Doherty 73); Cretaro, Boco.

Vllaznia -- Grimaj; Hallagi,Mrvaljevic, Beqiri, Osja; Smajli, Hallbani, Belisha, Shtubin; Kasapi (Bishani 87), Sinani (Balaj 83).

REF -- Christof Virant (Belgium).

(Source: Neil Ahern - IrishIndependent)

Lorik Cana: Arsenal to Rival Spurs for Hardman Target as Melo Stays in Serie A

Tottenham were viewed as favourites to win the race for the signature of one of the stars of French football…the Albanian midfielder Lorik Cana this summer. However, new of Gunners target Felipe Melo signing a contract extension at Fiorentina has led to speculation that Arsenal will know compete with their North London rivals for the Marseille captain.

Cana is a 25-year-old defensive midfielder with a reputation as a hard man in French football after numerous booking and red cards following his 7-season spell in France for both PSG and Marseille. The 6 ft 1 star is a cult figure at the Stade Velodrome for his no-nonsense displays and is more than physically equipped for English football.

The player has openly admitted to his interest in a move when he told Aujourd ‘Hui Sport, “The door remains open for a departure, even with three years remaining on my contract.

“I will talk with my family and my representatives at the end of the season. It will then depend on what I want to do. I believe that if I want to leave, everyone at this club will respect my decision.

“It is not certain that I will be terminating my contract though. I am in no rush.
“Of the possible destinations in the future, England and Germany are the two leagues that attract me the most.”

Cana was born in Kosova but as a youngster moved to Switzerland to escape the war. His father was a famous footballer himself in Kosova in the 1980’s. The defensive midfielder joined Swiss outfit Lausanne Sports but moved to PSG in 2000 despite only being a youth team player at the time without making a first team appearance.



The midfield enforcer broke into the PSG first team during the 2002/03 season and went on to make 69 league appearances for the club while scoring twice. During this time he attracted the attention of a number of top European clubs including Arsenal who invited him for trials which he could not attend due to visa issues. Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer and with Cesc Fabregas pleading for a midfield hardman this summer, Cana would be an obvious choice now the club’s number one target Felipe Melo looks set to remain at Fiorentina.

Cana moved to Marseille during the 2005/06 season and has since made 122 league appearances for the club and scored 6 goals. He took over the captaincy of the club from Habib Beye who joined Newcastle in 2007 and led Marseille to the runners-up spot in the French championship behind Bordeaux last season.


Despite being born in Kosova and brought up in Switzerland, Cana chose Albania to represent at international level explaining that he went with his heart rather than his head. He has passports for France, Switzerland and Albania. Cana broke into his national side in 2003 aged 19. He has now featured a total of 37 times and scored once.

Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton have also been strongly linked to the aggressive midfield star who would certainly add more steel and height to both line-ups. Harry Redknapp is looking to build his new look Tottenham team around a midfield pairing of Cana and Wilson Palacios which would surely be one of the most feared physically in the Premier League. After all, Cana has been booked 62 times and red carded 4 times in just 191 league appearances in French football. However, Arsenal’s renewed interest may affect Spurs chances of completing a transfer as they can offer Champions League football next season.

Would you like Lorik Cana in your midfield next season? Is the hardman perfect for your team or do you seem his as a liability? Let’s hear your views. (Football Pools)

UEFA postpones Albania match after FIFA suspension

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA has postponed Albania's next qualifier for the U-21 European Championship after the country was suspended from international soccer by FIFA.

European soccer's governing body confirmed Wednesday that no Albanian teams or officials can take part in any UEFA-organized match or event until the ban is lifted. Albania's U-21 team was scheduled to play Greece on March 26, but the game was postponed until further notice.

FIFA suspended Albania on Friday because of what it called heavy political interference by the country's government into the national soccer federation's affairs.

FIFA said the Albanian government accused the federation of match-fixing and illegally seizing money from the sale of television rights to show matches.

Albania's status will be discussed by UEFA's executive committee at its meeting in Vaduz, Liechtenstein later this month.

"UEFA and FIFA hope to solve this conflict during the next two months, depending on the collaboration of the Albanian government," UEFA said in a statement.

Big trio in tough Euro 2008 group

World Champions Italy have been drawn in the same group as France and Holland for the European Championship finals next summer in Austria and Switzerland.

The draw is based on European qualifying so the Italians will play France in a repeat of the 2006 World Cup final in the last Group C game.

Only the top two teams from each group go through to the knock-out stages.

Switzerland will face the Czech Republic in the opening match of the tournament on 7 June in Basle.

And reigning champions Greece will play Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.

France coach Raymond Domenech had complained of the seeding system before the draw and he will now have a tough task to get his team through to the quarter-finals.

Group C also features Romania who qualified ahead of Holland. They are one of three pairings of teams who have been drawn in the same group in the finals despite having played each other in qualifying.

Italy and France plus Sweden and Spain will also have to play each other again.

"We can't rejoice at being put together, but now the draw's been made we have to live with it, it's like that," said France coach Raymond Domenech.

His Italian counterpart Roberto Donadoni commented: "It wasn't easy to qualify and now this. I had a feeling it might happen."

Holland boss Marco Van Basten added: "That really is a hard one. The Romanians posed us so many problems in the qualifiers, and before that we will have Italy and France, but at least we know what we are up against."

Croatia and three-times winners Germany appear to have an easier ride in Group B, with co-hosts Austria and Poland in there as company.

But Croatia coach Slaven Bilic insisted: "I can give you 20 reasons why this is the most difficult group. Here are three: Austria are playing at home, Germany are one of the best teams in the world and Poland are here for the first time which is a good motivation."

The other hosts Switzerland have to contend with Portugal and Turkey, as well as the Czechs, in Group A.

The draw was made at a ceremony in Lucerne, Switzerland which featured former European Championship winners such as Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Marco Van Basten and Jurgen Klinsmann. (BBC)

Full Groups:

Group A:
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Portugal
Turkey

Group B:
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

Group C:
Holland
Italy
Romania
France

Group D:
Greece
Sweden
Spain
Russia

Romania 6 Albania 1

Romania completed their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign in style as they thrashed nine-man Albania to secure their place at the top of Group G.

After taking a first-half lead through Nicolae Dica, Romania scored five goals in a devastating 20-minute spell in the second half.

Gabriel Tamas put them 2-0 up before Debatik Curri was dismissed for a second-booking and Daniel Niculae put Romania in control before Edmond Kapllani pulled one back for Albania.

Nicolae then added a second before Ciprian Marica slotted away a penalty and, when Nevil Dede was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Marica, Dica scored his second from the spot to complete the rout.

Romania started well and Dica's curling free-kick from 25 yards was comfortably dealt with by Arjan Beqaj.

The pressure finally told on 22 minutes when Razvan Cocis swung in a fine cross from the right and Dica finished well from close range.

Albania almost equalised at the start of the second half when Edmond Kapllani crossed for Erjon Bogdani, but his shot from close range was superbly saved by Bogdan Lobont.

Romania took advantage shortly after when Tamas drilled a low free-kick from 30 yards that went past a host of bodies on its way into the bottom right-hand corner.

It got worse for Albania as Curri saw a second yellow for a foul on Marica and before the visitors could even react Dica chipped towards the far post where Niculae was unmarked and finished high into the roof of the next.

Almost straight from the restart Albania gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Altin Haxhi played the ball into substitute Kapllani and he turned his marker before finishing well.

However, Romania extinguished that hope in ruthless fashion when Cocis broke down the right and laid the ball across for Niculae to tap home.

With 20 minutes remaining, Dede brought down Razvan Rat and Ciprian Marica sent Beqaj the wrong way to make it 5-1.

Romania were running riot and less than a minute later Dede cynically fouled Marica and was shown a second yellow card.

This time Dica stepped up and tucked the penalty into the bottom left-hand corner.

Late on substitute Gheorghe Bucur hit the post as Romania celebrated their place in Austria and Switzerland in comprehensive fashion.

Teams:

Romania Lobont, Ogararu, Tamas (Constantin 78), Goian, Rat, Florentin Petre (Bucur 65), Margaritescu, Cocis, Niculae, Marica (Mazilu 73), Dica.

Subs Not Used: Coman, Ovidiu Petre, Marin, Trica.

Booked: Marica.

Goals: Dica 22, Tamas 53, Niculae 64, 66, Marica 71 pen,

Dica 73 pen.

Albania Beqaj, Curri, Dede, Vangeli (Kapllani 40), Lila, Haxhi, Lala, Bulku, Duro (Hyka 78), Skela, Bogdani (Bakaj 82).

Subs Not Used: Hidi, Rrustemi, Bushi, Salihi.

Sent Off: Curri (61), Dede (71).

Booked: Curri, Vangeli, Dede.

Goals: Kapllani 65.

Att: 25,000

Ref: Edo Trivkovic (Croatia).

Barić steps down as Albania coach

Otto Barić has resigned as coach of Albania following his side's 6-1 defeat away to Romania. The veteran coach had only just agreed a new two-year deal at the start of the month.

Painful defeats
Barić took the post in June last year and though his side achieved some commendable results in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group G, he believed a heavy defeat in Bucharest coupled with Saturday's 4-2 home loss to Belarus had made his position untenable. "These two losses have really hurt me," the 75-year-old Austrian said. "I'm unable to continue coaching this team any longer."

Duka disappointed
Barić watched both matches from the stands as he served the start of a three-game suspension imposed for insulting match officials. He announced his decision after the game to Football Association of Albania president Armando Duka, who expressed his disappointment having verbally agreed to extend Barić's contract at the start of the month.

'Move on'
"I personally thank Otto Barić for the work he did with the national team," said Duka, who had hoped the veteran would continue his work into the next FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. "I was looking forward to the next qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, but we have to move on." Albania finished fifth in Group G with eleven points from 12 matches. (Uefa)

Baric’s dream comes to an end

17 Nov 2007 (Albanian Times)

Albania 2-4 Belarus:

Belarus pulled to within a point of Albania after fighting back from 2-1 down to take all three points from Tirana...

Belarus' superior finishing proved crucial in a largely even encounter in the Albanian capital.

Albania started well, SK Tirana's Klodian Duro looking particularly dangerous, but in fact Belarus got the opener against the run of play when he rifled home a long-range effort 28 minutes in.

It was the 28th minutes when Maksim Romashchenko up the ball midway inside the Albania half before venturing a few steps forward and drilling the ball past the despairing Arian Beqaj's outstretched hand and into the bottom-left corner. 1 – 0 to Belarus.

On the 39th minute Erion Bogdani picks up the ball just inside the penalty area and fires a shot high into the centre of the goal to pull Albania level at 1-1

It was 11 minutes in the clock from Romashchenko’s goal when Erion Bogdani fires a shot from inside the penalty area to level the score.

Just 4 minutes from Bogdani’s goal, Kapllani turns everything around with 2 – 1 lead.

43 Kapllani (Albania) scores! A quick turnaround here in Tirana as the home side move in front two minutes before the break as Edmond Kapllani turns and finds the net with his left foot from inside the area.

45+1Kutuzov (Belarus) scores! Three goals in seven minutes see Belarus back on level terms in first-half added time. Vitali Kutuzov drills in with his left foot after a headed pass by Timofei Kalachev.

- The referee blows for half-time.

The second half begins

54 Kutuzov (Belarus) scores! This topsy-turvy encounter takes another twist as Belarus move 3-2 ahead - Kutuzov side footing his second goal low into the centre of the goal.

63 Romashchenko (Belarus) scores from the penalty spot. Belarus now have breathing space after Maksim Romashchenko is fouled by Armend Dallku for the award of a penalty. He takes it himself and makes no mistake to fire it straight down the middle.

For the next 32 minutes Albania tried very hard to get back into the scoresheet, but Belarus defended very well.

Albania 2 - 4 Belarus
0-1 Romaschenko 28'
1-1 Bogdani 39'
2-1 Kapllani 43'
2-2 Kutuzov 45'
2-3 Kutuzov 54'
2-4 Romaschenko (pen) 63'

Albania (Baric): Beqaj, Curri, Dede, Lala (Bushaj 75), Rrustemi, Skela, Cana, Dallku, K. Duro, Bogdani, Kapllani.

Belarus (Stange): Zhevnov, Omelyanchuk, Filipenko, Plaskonny (Skverniuk 65), Kirenkin, Kulchiy, Kalachev (Korythko 75), Romashchenko, Hleb, Bulyga, Kutuzov.

Yellow Cards: Kirenkin 16'.

Referee: Bulent Demirlek (Turkey.)

Reporting for Albanian Times, from Tirana John Troy

Sukaj spurs on Albania

Xheyahir Sukaj scored a hat-trick to lead Albania to a 5-0 victory against the Faroe Islands and keep their faint hopes of qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship alive.

Sukaj opener
Albania had defeated the Faroe Islands 1-0 at home in June, and they were soon on their way to victory again in Toftir when Sukaj opened the scoring with 25 minutes played. The visiting side enjoyed plenty of possession and made it count after the restart with three goals in quick succession. Sukaj struck his second on 48 minutes, Arbbr Abilaliaj added the third four minutes after that before Sukaj completed his hat-trick with the pick of his three goals on 57 minutes, a stunning 30-metre rising drive.

Deserved fifth
The Faroe Islands rarely threatened their opponents' goal in contrast to Albania who pushed to the end and added a deserved fifth through Germard Progmi with five minutes to play. The result leaves Albania fourth in Group 1, level on ten points with Greece who they meet in Athens on Wednesday. (Uefa)

Baric set to stick with Albania

Otto Barić has reached a verbal agreement with Football Association of Albania president Armando Duka to stay in charge of the national team for two more years.

'Not the issue'
The 75-year-old Croatian, who has just been served with a three-match ban for insulting a referee, has agreed in principle to lead Albania in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup having replaced Hans-Peter Briegel in June 2006. "I spoke with the president for two hours and we have agreed to carry on with our project," explained the coach. Baric is said to have agreed to a cut in pay in order to continue in the role, saying: "Money was not the issue in our conversation. I have repeatedly said that. I want to continue my work. We have got something good here and I really want to be part of it."

First campaign
After their meeting, Duka, Baric and his assistant Shpetim Duro attended the game between the Kategoria Pare's top two clubs on Wednesday night as KS Besa came from behind to beat FK Partizani 2-1 in Kavaje. Albania's first campaign under Baric has seen them climb to fourth in their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying group, which also includes Romania, the Netherlands and Bulgaria. They play Belarus in Tirana on 17 November and Romania in Bucharest four days later in their last two Group G games.

Albania coach (Otto Baric) banned for three games

PARIS (AFP) — Albania coach Otto Baric was suspended Tuesday for three matches by UEFA after insulting a referee during a Euro 2008 qualifying match against Bulgaria on October 17.

The 75-year-old will not be allowed on the bench, in the tunnel or the dressing room for the Euro 2009 qualifying matches against Belarus on November 17, Romania, November 21 and for Albania's next international fixture.

Baric, who has three days to appeal, is the fourth coach involved in the Euro 2008 qualifying matches to be suspended following Ireland's Steve Staunton, France's Raymond Domenech, and Portugal's Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Euro 2008: Are smaller countries getting a fair crack of the whip?

Albania dominated in their game against Bulgaria but several poor decisions went against them.

Bulgaria suffered great pressure by Albania for the full 90 minutes of their Euro 2008 qualifying game. Klodian Duro almost gave Albania a dream start in the third minute, hitting the bar with a thunderous 20-meter shot, while unmarked Hamdi Salihi blasted over from close range when he got on the end of a cross by Ervin Skela.

But Klodian Duro swung over a free-kick that was deflected in his own net by Kishishev. The Albanians might have increased their advantage with numerous chances they created during the first half when Erion Bogdani found the side netting after the Bulgarian goalkeeper had saved Salihi’s long-range shot.

But Albania were made to pay for the number of chances they missed when Dimitar Berbatov used the low cross by Petrov to score in 87th minute.

The unluckiest moment occurred just before the final whistle when Ervin Skela was not able to convert a penalty that would have given Albania an unlikely victory.

Once again, it seemed that referees are showing prejudice against the Albanian team. Otto Baric was sent off in the 24th minute after arguing with Austrian referee Fritz Stuchlik about his dubious decisions. They even suffered when the penalty award was given for deliberate hand ball and the offender was not shown a red card, in compliance with UEFA regulations.

In September, 2007, the Albanian Soccer Federation (FSHF), carefully reviewed episodes of the match Albania played against Holland, especially when Holland’s own goal in the 44th minute was disallowed (there were no explanations provided regarding this issue). There were a number of dubious decisions by referee Michael Riely favoring Holland.

The FSHF are still certain that UEFA, after having received the reports of the envoy and the observer, will take into consideration the grievances of this institution. UEFA President Michel Platini was personally notified of the complaint by FSHF President Armando Duka. (Sportingo.com)