TIRANA, June 16 – Albania’s historic victory against Euro 2018 hosts France in a friendly played last weekend in Elbasan has earned the national team one seeding pot for next July’s World Cup qualifying draw Russia 2018.
Although not officially confirmed, Albania is set to be seeded in Pot 3 for the first time ever after having been historically seeded in Pots 4 and 5 in previous draws.
Asked about the historic climb, Albania’s coach Gianni De Biasi avoided strong enthusiasm by saying “I will reach my conclusions when I see the teams we are drawn against. For now, we still don’t know how much the third pot is worth.”
Albania climbed to 51st in the FIFA World Ranking in June and is expected to further improve its position after beating France 1-0 with a spectacular free kick by Ergys Kaçe just before the first half. The victory was a morale booster for Albania in its Euro 2018 qualifying bid as the national side is closer than ever to make its first participation in a major football tournament.
With one game in hand, Albania currently rank third in Group I with 7 points, five behind group leaders Portugal and three behind second-placed Denmark, both of which have played one game more. Serbia and Armenia rank bottom with one point each in five matches.
Albania’s next qualifier will be away to Denmark in September 4 before hosting Portugal three days later.
Football experts say Albania, whose players play in prestigious leagues including Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, stands a real chance to qualify for France Euro 2016 after historically finishing bottom and second from bottom in previous Euro and World Cup qualifying stages.
The top two group teams and the best third-placed side qualify directly for the final tournament of the Euro 2016. The eight remaining third-placed teams will contest play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers.
