If Albania are going to exit the 2016 European Championships this week they are not going to leave France empty-handed. Thanks to a goal in the first half Albania earned their first-ever goal and victory in the European Championships with their 1-0 win over Romania at the Stade de Lyon.

Albania’s best opportunity came in the 23rd minute when after a series diagonal passes broke through the stout Romanian defense. Midfielder Ermir Lenjani was the beneficiary of the final ball into the Romanian box and appeared destined to score Albania’s first-ever goal at the Euros. However, the Rennes flanker lifted his shot over the bar.

The Eagles would close again in the 32nd thanks to a series of quick moves by Ledian Memushaj. Although this quick feet gave him a goal-scoring chance, his pedestrian shot was easily saved by Romanian goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu. 

In the 43rd minute Albania would finally break through. Armando Sadiku would finish off a cross in by Memushaj to earn the 1-0 advantage. Sadiku, who played last season on loan with Vaduz in Liechtenstein, got behind the Romanian back-line and targeted his header right over the outstretched hands of Tatarusanu.

In the second half Romania would find some life in the form of substitute Florin Andone. The Cordoba forward provided the best opportunity for an equalizer in the 75th minute with a galloping run down the right flank. With the Albanian defense caught off-guard Andone ripped a shot from distance that would hit the bar. Aside from Andone there was a lack of urgency from Romania which in turn led to a very conservative match.

With three points in the bank Albania’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage are alive, if only by a thread. They are currently atop the third-place rankings. However, with all other groups still yet to play there will be plenty of nail biting in Tirana.

MATCH SUMMARY

Romania- Ciprian Tatarusanu, Vlad Chiriches, Dragos Grigore, Alexandru Matel, Cristian Sapunaru, Nicolae Stanciu, Ovidu Hoban, Andrei Prepelita (Lucean Sanmartean 45′), Denis Alibec (Gabriel Torje 57′), Bogdan Stancu, and Adrian Popa (Florin Andone 69′)

Yellow Cards- Matel (53′),Sapunauru (85′), and Torje (90’+2′)

Albania- Etrit Berisha, Megrim Mavraj, Arlind Ajeti, Migjen Basha, Ansi Agolli, Elseid Hysaj, Ledian Memushaj, Amir Abrashi, Ermir Lenjani (Odise Roshi 75′), Andi Lila, and Armando Sadiku (Bekim Balaj 59′).

Goal- Sadiku (43′)

Yellow Cards- Basha (6′) and Memushaj (90′)

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