Albania secure their first-ever victory at a major tournament following a 1-0 win over Romania in their Euro 2016 Group A clash in Lyon.
Heading into the match Albania had suffered defeat in their last three internationals, their worst record since October 2013.
Albania have only had two shots on target over their first two matches in the Euro 2016, both coming in their opening match against Switzerland, while Romania have kept only one clean sheet in their 15 games at the European Championships.
Romania got off to a quick start as midfielder Nicolae Stanciu effort flew harmlessly over the bar from 25 yards three minutes into the match.
Just two minutes later and Ovidiu Hoban did well to test Albanian goalkeeper Etrit Berisha with a low shot from the edge of the box, which the Albania No 1 safely gathered.
Bogdan Stancu then tested Berisha in the eighth minute with a well-struck volley but the keeper did well to beat the ball away.
However, Albania nearly took the lead in the 23rd minute as Albanian defender Andi Lila slipped through down the right and sent an inviting ball towards the six-yard area, which should’ve been tapped in at the far post, but Ermir Lenjani directed his effort over the bar.
With Romania dominating the opening 25 minutes of the match, in the last five minutes they weren’t able to string two passes together as Albania started to gain a foothold in proceedings.
In the 35 minute, Ledian Memushaj did well to side step two Romanian defenders in the box with quick footwork, to get a shot at goal, but only for Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu to deny him.
Just a minute from half-time and Albania scored their first-ever goal in a major tournament as Armando Sadiku leaped the highest to head home a cross from the right.
Closing the first-half, Romania missed a chance to level matters as Alibec shot from range failed to trouble Berisha.
Albania went into the half-time interval with a 1-0 lead over Romania in Lyon.
Albania continued where they left off in the first-half as they produced the first chance of the second-half, winning a corner but ultimately failed to test the Romanian goalkeeper as Mergim Mavraj effort flew over the bar.
With just over an hour played Romania stepped up a gear as they went in search of an equaliser as the ball was worked to Gabriel Torje on the edge of the area, but the substitute’s first effort at goal went well wide of the post.
Florin Andone nearly leveled matters for Romania in the 76th minute after the substitute’s thumping drive crashed against the bar to deny the Romanian’s.
Albania almost doubled their lead with four minutes left to play as Mavraj side-footed finish was guided straight into the side-netting.
Eventually, Albania went on to secure their first-ever victory in a major tournament with a 1-0 victory over Romania in their Euro 2016 Group A encounter.
PHOTO: Reuters/ Kia Pfaffenbach
