Albania stuns Portugal in first Euro 2016 qualifier game

Red and Blacks start qualifying round with unexpected victory in Portugal, following a spectacular volley goal by Balaj and resistance to repeated attacks.
TIRANA, Sept. 7 – Albania’s national football team has scored a major win in its first Group I Euro 2016 qualifier, defeating Portugal 1-0 and causing great celebration and hope among its fans.
Gianni De Biasi’s Albanian team had started the game as heavy underdogs against Portugal, which was playing at home and was widely expected to dominate Group I.
However, a superb volley from Bekim Balaj and a sober defense team earned Albania a stunning win against Portugal, taking three points on a memorable night for the visitors.
The team is made up many new players and despite falling into a very tough qualifying group, Albanians are hoping to qualify for their first ever major international tournament.
Albania captain Lorik Cana revelled in “a dream start” for his team following a win in Portugal, which left Nani urging his side to “grow up as a team and as individuals.”
Portugal was without its top player, Cristiano Ronaldo, after head coach Paulo Bento deemed him not physically up to being included in the squad. The Portuguese struggled for invention and guile, as their campaign got off to a disastrous start.
Albania also carried a threat and after racing out of the blocks brightly after the restart, and it was rewarded in the 52nd minute when Balaj thumped Odise Roshi’s delivery past goalkeeper Rui Patricio for the winner.
Portugal tried hard in search of an equalizer and substitute Ricardo Horta hit the pole late, but there was no way through.
The international press harshly rebuked the Portuguese for the loss. Portuguese fans held down handkerchiefs in a sign of asking for Bento’s resignation. Bento said that was a bad luck and they did not deserve to lose.
Albania — whose next Group I contest is against the Danes — reveled in one of the greatest triumphs in its history. The next game will be held next month in the newly reconstructed Elbasan Arena stadium. It’s on to Belgrade a few days later to play Serbia.
A superb volley from Bekim Balaj earned Albania a stunning win against Portugal