Denmark’s lead in European qualifying Group 1 was cut to two points after a disappointing draw with Albania in Tirana.
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner gave the Danes the lead five minutes before half-time but Albania fought back and Erjon Bogdani levelled the scores in the 50th minute. To make matters worse, victories for Sweden and Portugal moved those sides to within three and five points of Morten Olsen’s team respectively.
Denmark had the better of an untidy opening to the match although Albania created a decent opening after half an hour’s play when Bogdani played in Amsi Agolli, but his powerful shot went wide. Ten minutes later the home side fell behind when some hesitant defending from Debatik Curri allowed Bendtner to head past Samir Ujkani in the Albania goal.
The introduction of Jahmir Hyka for Elvin Beqiri early in the second half caused the Danes some problems and the hosts drew level in the 50th minute. Armend Dallku’s long ball found Hamdi Salihi, and he had the presence of mind to slip in a clever pass for Bogdani to equalise.
The game became a livelier and more aggressive affair after Albania’s leveller, with the host keeping the pressure up, while Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl provided the main threat on the counterattack for the visitors, but both sides had to settle for a point.
Albania reconfirmed its aggressive style play since Josip Cuche came at the help of the “kuqezi”, giving them a facelift in their game. Previously, coach Cuche had lead his boys to a riot 6-1 victory against Cyrprus, a friendly game that broke the scoring records of the Albanian team, and a heart fought 1-2 loss against Portugal, a world cup qualifying game.
Lineups:
Albania: Saimir Ujkani, Armend Dallku, Lorik Cana, Debatik Curri, Elvin Beqiri (Jahmir Hyka, 46), Ansi Agolli, Ervin Bulku, Klodian Duro, Ervin Skela (Emiljano Vila, 84), Erjon Bogdani (Gilman Lika, 78), Hamdi Salihi.
Denmark: Thomas Sorensen, Christian Poulsen, Simon Kjaer, Anders Moller Christensen, William Kvist, Lars Jacobsen, Jakob Poulsen (Jesper Gronkjaer, 54), Dennis Rommedahl, Jon Dahl Tomasson (Soren Larsen, 75), Martin Jorgensen (Hjalte Bo Norregaard, 69), Nicklas Bendtner.
