TIRANA, Sept. 7 – Albania received one point in two matches this week in its qualifying European Championship Group I.
On Friday it drew 0-0 with Denmark in Copenhagen.
Sokol Cikalleshi’s header in the 23rd minute almost put the visitors ahead but Denmark dominated the second half with attempts by Nicolai Jorgensen, Nicklas Bendtner and Daniel Agger.
A goal after the break by Bendtner was judged to be offside, while the visitors surprised the Danes with more offensive play than expected.
The draw was hailed in Albania as a victory with Prime Minister Edi Rama tweeting: “Super! We’re in playoff for sure. The dream continues.”
On Monday, Albania lost to Portugal in Elbasan. Portugal won after midfielder Miguel Veloso scored in injury time to snatch a 1-0 win.
Both teams had hit the woodwork before Veloso headed in substitute Ricardo Quaresma’s pass for the late winner.
“I thought the ball was for me and fortunately it made it,” Veloso said.
Albania’s capital Lorik Cana said the late goal was difficult to swallow.
“We just lost the focus and attention at a moment when we were thinking the match was ending. That was when a great team like Portugal hit us,” Cana said.
Portugal’s Nani hit the goal frame in the 13th minute, while Sokol Cikalleshi of Albania sent a shot off the bar in the 75th.
Two minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo had an opportunity to put Portugal in front, but goalkeeper Etrit Berisha made a save.
The victory came exactly one year after Albania stunned Portugal 1-0.
Portugal increased its lead of Group I to 15 points. Denmark has 12, while Albania has 11, but both Portugal and Albania have a game in hand.
Albania plays Serbia at home next on Oct. 8.
