Norway holds Red and Blacks to a draw

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania’s national football team was denied a win in the last five minutes against Norway at the qualifier held last Friday for the Group E World Cup.
Norwegian defender Tom Hogli managed to stay clear, alone in front of the Albanian goal and put its header while Albanian defenders were busy trying to cover other Viking players.
Albania – Norway ended with a 1-1 draw. Valdet Rama put the home team in front after 41 minutes when he sprinted down the left wing before cutting in to score.
In front of the enthusiastic crowd with many banners and flags Albania had some good scoring opportunities that were not finalized.
Presented with a weak group, Albania faces a historic change to head to the Fifa World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Albania, who have never qualified for the finals of a major tournament, have 10 points from six games, four behind group leaders Switzerland. Norway have eight points from six matches.
Fresh from several victories, Albania climbed to the highest position ever in its history in the official FIFA rankings, becoming 38rd best team globally. Sport analysts say Albania’s Italian coach, de Biazi, is preparing a good team with many new players.