shannon2007

Thanks Dave. I tend to try and research any team I play as much as I can. When creating a fantasy, using the truth is a very good basis

shannon2007

Albania U-21’s v Greece U-21’s
European U-21 Championship Group 2 Qualifier
Loro Borici (Shkoder), Albania
4373

Albania: (4-2-3-1) Dorian Ethemi; Debatik Currie, Bledar Shima, Armend Dallku, Atin Matelli; Edlir Tetova, Lorik Cana; Marenglen Kule, Sokol Kacani, Ergys Shameti; Kladjdi Albrahimi Subs: Armando Paro (GK), Enri Ndreka, Ervin Buzi, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha, Alert Sejdini

Greece 3-5-2) Leonidas Papadakis, Grigoris Toskas, Christos Kartpidis, Sokratis Fytanidis, Agisilaos Pasas, Giorgos Ntovas, Kostas Mendrinos, Platon Karakatsanis, Kostas Kapetanos, Christos Balodimos, Periklis Bousinakis Subs Manolis Mavridis (GK), Nikos Mitrou, Alexandros Tziolis, Vangelis Mantzios, Filippos Darlas, Dimitris Kioliaras, Ilias Eleftheriadas

Fatjon Karmani and Gentian Besha both withdrew injured before the match. And had to be replaced with Ervin Buzi (AMC (21) Apolonia) and Edlir Tetova (DMC (21) Teuta (5 U 21 caps)) and so the match was ready to get underway. The U-21s have as much chance of qualifying as the full team, but for all of us this is really a learning curve and the aim is simply to do as well as we possibly can.

It was, unsurprisingly, Greece who made the brighter start, and won a corner in the first two minutes, but it was to come to nothing. On five minutes we had a corner of our own as we hit back, but it too came to nothing. Greece tried to create an attack, but Albrahimi manged to stop their build up with a good interception, and then launched an attack of our own. Cana set up Kacani with a good chance, but although his effort was decent enough, Papadakis was able to save and hold onto the ball. It had been a bright enough opening.

Kacani had another chance on six minutes, but this time his effort was wide of the target. Six minutes later though, the hard working forwards efforts paid off. Curri played a through ball to Shameti who took the ball down the right, crossing into the area and it was Kacani who beat Kapetanos in the air, and flighted the ball past Papadakis, and to the delight of the home support, we found ourselves in an early lead.

Greece’s Bousinakis was yellow carded on the 16th minute, and four mintes later Karypidis followed his team mate into the referee’s book. Lorik Cana had a good chance from a Tetova corner, but his final effort went just wide of the post. Nevertheless it was heartening to see us cause the Greeks so many problems. Ethemi was finally forced into a save on 24 minutes, and five minutes later Greece had a third player booked. This time it was Balodimos who went into the referee’s book for a foul on Tetova, which ended the lads game, and he had to be replaced by Buzi.

Only a few minutes later, bad boy Balodimos brought further grief to the home support as he latched onto a great through ball from Pasa, and the Greeks were undeservedly level. Cana and Shameti both had chances before halftime, but neither could convert and the sides went in level after an excellent first half of football. We could feel pleased with our efforts, but we probably should have been leading.

On 67 minutes, Manzios became the 4th Greek player to be yellow carded, but whereas the first half had been entertaining, the second fizzled out. There were few chances from either side to get the winner, and in the end a draw was probably a decent result. A point on the board isn’t to be sneezed at, and hopefully we can build on this and get a few more points before the group is over.

How they played:


Albania: Dorian Ethemi 6; Debatik Currie 7, Bledar Shima 7, Armend Dallku 7 Atin Matelli 7; Edlir Tetova (inj 31) 7, Lorik Cana 7; Marenglen Kule 7, Sokol Kacani (1) MoM 8, Ergys Shameti 8; Kladjdi Albrahimi (off 70) 7 Subs: Armando Paro (GK), Enri Ndreka, Ervin Buzi (on 31) 7, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha (on 70) 7, Alert Sejdini

Greece : Leonidas Papadakis 6, Grigoris Toskas 7, Christos Kartpidis (Y) 8, Sokratis Fytanidis 7, Agisilaos Pasas 7, Giorgos Ntovas 7, Kostas Mendrinos (off 45) 7, Platon Karakatsanis 7, Kostas Kapetanos (off 63) 7 , Christos Balodimos (Y) (1) 7 Periklis Bousinakis (inj 45) (Y) 7 Subs Manolis Mavridis (GK), Nikos Mitrou, (on 63) 7 Alexandros Tziolis (on 45) 7, Vangelis Mantzios (on 45) (Y) 7, Filippos Darlas, Dimitris Kioliaras, Ilias Eleftheriadas

shannon2007

Albania v Greece
World Cup Qualifying (Europe) Group 2, Matchday 1
Qemal Stafa (Tirana), Albania
19,475

Line Ups

Albania (4-3-2-1): Arjan Beqaj; Ervin Bulku, Nevil Dede, Geri Cipi, Elvin Beqiri; Paulin Dhembi, Altin Lala, Edwin Murati; Florian Mytraj, Skerdilaid Curri; Bledi Shkembi Subs: Elvis Agolli (GK), Arjan Pisha, Luan Pinari, Sokol Bulku, Ervin Skela, Devi Muka, Igli Tare.

Greece (3-5-2): Antonis Nikopolidis; Traianos Dellas, Michalis Kapsis, Sotiris Kyrgiakos; Thodoris Zagorakis, Stelios Venetidis, Angelos Basinas, Giorgos Karagounis, Vasilis Tsiartas; Angelos Charisteas, Zisis Vrysas Subs: Chritos Labakis (GK), Giorgos Georgiadis, Pantelis Kafes, Dimitris Papadopoulos, Takis Fyssas, Kostas Katsouranis, Stelios Giannakopoulos

With Greece having won Euro 2004, this was in fact their first match since that triumph. We knew we were in for a really hard game, but we felt we could still take something here. If we could remain unbeaten at home, we would have a good chance of getting a respectable placing, and that was really all we could hope for.

On 4 minutes, we won a corner, but Murati's kick was not the best and the Greek defecne were able to clear. The ball though only fell to Lala, and he set up Murati with a good chance for an early goal, but his effort was turned over by Nikopolidis, and the corner came to nothing. Hopefully though, we had shown we were going to make a game of this.

Charisteas had a chance for Greece, but his effort was poor and went well over the bar. Basinas had another chance for the Greeks on 23 minutes, as they started to dominate the match, but once more his effort went harmlessly over. It was important that we didnt allow the visitors to bully us into submission, and on 27 minutes Murati sent a cross into the area for Myrtaj but his header also was over the bar.

Ervin Bulku picked up a yellow card on the half hour for a trip on Tsiartas, and a few minutes later Beqri had the chance to give us the lead, but his effort was well wide in the end. On 39 minutes, Tsiartis came closest to opening the scoring, as he hit a superb effort from the edge of the area, but was denying a stunning goal by the crossbar, much to the relief of the home support.

The second half got off to a frantic start as Kyrgiakos stopped a certain goal for us, and then both Charisteas and Mrytaj found themselves in the referee's book. Just on the hour, Murati swung in a decent corner, but Dhembi's volley clipped the crossbar and went over. Seconds later Greece brought on Fyssas and Georgiadis for Venetidis and Tsiartis in a effort to freshen things up.

On 71 minutes, I replaced the limping Bulku with Pisha and threw on Tare up front for Shkembi. A minute later, Dhembi missed another good chance, and the match was quickly looking like it would end goalless. Three minutes from time, Nikopolidis saved a good effort from Lala after some good build up play from us, and that was the last real effort of the match.

A draw against the European Champions isn't a bad result on the face of it, and we did play well. Perhaps we should have won, but I cant help be slightly pleased with the overall performance and be encouraged by it.

How they played:

Albania (4-3-2-1): Arjan Beqaj 7; Ervin Bulku (off 71) 6, Nevil Dede 7, Geri Cipi 7, Elvin Beqiri (Y) 7; Paulin Dhembi 7, Altin Lala 7, Edwin Murati 7; Florian Mytraj (Y) 7 Skerdilaid Curri 6; Bledi Shkembi(Off 71) 7 Subs: Elvis Agolli (GK), Arjan Pisha (on 71) 7, Luan Pinari, Sokol Bulku, Ervin Skela, Devi Muka, Igli Tare (on 71) 7.

Greece (3-5-2): Antonis Nikopolidis (MoM) 8; Traianos Dellas 7, Michalis Kapsis 7, Sotiris Kyrgiakos 8; Thodoris Zagorakis 8, Stelios Venetidis (off 60) 7, Angelos Basinas 7, Giorgos Karagounis (off 72) 5, Vasilis Tsiartas (off 60) 7; Angelos Charisteas (Y) 7, Zisis Vrysas 7 Subs: Chritos Labakis (GK), Giorgos Georgiadis (on 60) 7, Pantelis Kafes (on 72) 7, Dimitris Papadopoulos, Takis Fyssas (on 60) 7, Kostas Katsouranis, Stelios Giannakopoulos

shannon2007

Albania U-19's v Belarus U-19's
Friendly, Monday 6th September 2004
Loro Borici (Shkoder), Albania
1857

Line Ups

Albania (4-1-3-2): Gledis Sharra; Xhevahir Sukaj, Tefik Osmani, Aldo Guna, Mark Gjini; Rudolf Nurja; Andi Lila, Taulant Ismailaj, Florian Manastirliu; Krenar Kosumi, Arber Abilaliaj Subs: Gerti Sharra (GK), Enrik Dafa, Erjon Bajro, Arben Prelaj, Artur Qerolli, Enio Samarxhi, Behar Hoti, Mario Bytyci, Erald Pustina

Belrus (4-4-2): Dmitriy Leonchik; Alexey Shushkevich, Miroslav Zhuravel, Aleksandr Rybak, Mikhail Vyazhevich; Valeriy Velichko, Igor Boiko, Vladimir Kozlov, Dmitriy Sikorskiy; Vitaly Vasilecskiy, Andrey Demenkovets Subs: Anton Kostyukevich (GK), Sergey Rad'kov, Phillipp Kuznetsov, Dmitriy Yurkevich, Vitaliy Pavlyukovich, Artur Kuznetsov, Mikhail Markhel, Anatoliy Klimovich, Vladislav Dedyush

With the draw for the U'19 European Championship Qualifying having been made, we found ourselves in a group with Croatia, Norway and Ukraine. It was bound to be a tough test for our youngsters, but the hope was that having brought them together for these two friendlies would bring us a huge benefit. Certainly, Belarus were bound to be a much tougher test than Cayman, and should give us a decent enough guide as to how we might fare.

Only four minutes had passed when Gjini recieved a yellow card for moaning at the referee, and a few minutes later Belarus' Rybak suffered the same fate. It seemed the referee had fallen out of the wrong side of bed, and the players would have to take more care not to annoy the silly bugger. Ismailaj had a great chance to send us ahead after 10 minutes, but the Belarus keeper somehow got a finger to the ball to tip it over the bar. The resultant corner was wasted.

Six minutes later, the Belarus keeper was in action game, this time denying Kosumi and it was certainly a fiery start from us. The half though didnt last at the same pace, and soon fizzled out, as the sides went in at the break with the match goalless.

Four minutes into the second half though, the fans finally had a goal to celebrate. Lila played a through ball to Kosumi and he unselfishly set up Ismailaj and this time the keeper had no chance. It was a fine goal, and we were worthy of our lead I felt. Belarus' Kozlov became the third player to be booked in the 56th minute, and five minutes later we had a second goal.

Lila and [/b]Kosumi[/b] were again involved in the build up, before the later was up-ended in the area and a third Belarus player entered the referees little black book. Guna stepped up to take the kick, and calmly slotted it into the net. Guna had a chance of a second a few minutes later, but his effort was well over the bar in the end. Kosumi and Guna missed furhter chances, and the Belarussians did create a couple of half chances, but they never really threatened, and in the end we had a very good win against a decent side.

How They Played

Albania : Gledis Sharra 8; Xhevahir Sukaj 7, Tefik Osmani 7, Aldo Guna (1) 7, Mark Gjini (Y) 7; Rudolf Nurja 7; Andi Lila 8, Taulant Ismailaj (1) 8, Florian Manastirliu 7; [b]Krenar Kosumi MoM 8, Arber Abilaliaj 7 Subs: Gerti Sharra (GK), Enrik Dafa, Erjon Bajro, Arben Prelaj, Artur Qerolli, Enio Samarxhi, Behar Hoti, Mario Bytyci, Erald Pustina

Belrus (4-4-2): Dmitriy Leonchik 8; Alexey Shushkevich (off 49) 7, Miroslav Zhuravel 7, Aleksandr Rybak (Y) (off 62) 7, Mikhail Vyazhevich (Y) 7; Valeriy Velichko (off 62) 7, Igor Boiko (off 62) 7, Vladimir Kozlov (Y) 7, Dmitriy Sikorskiy (off 45) 7; Vitaly Vasilecskiy (off 45) 7, Andrey Demenkovets 7 Subs: Anton Kostyukevich (GK), Sergey Rad'kov, Phillipp Kuznetsov (on 45) 7, Dmitriy Yurkevich (on 45) 7, Vitaliy Pavlyukovich (On 49) 7, Artur Kuznetsov (on 62) 7, Mikhail Markhel (on 62) 7, Anatoliy Klimovich, Vladislav Dedyush (on 62) 7

BarryLFC

Good to see Pisha living up to his name :cool:

shannon2007

Georgia U-21's v Albania U-21's
European U-21 Championship Group 2 Qualifier, Match Day 2, 7th September 2004
Boris Paichadze National Stadium (Tblisi), Georgia
19,637

[b]Line Ups:

Georgia: (4-4-2) Mikheil Kaladze; Davit Beridze, Levan Lomidze, Mikheil Shengelia, David Djeladze; Irakkli Kobiashvili, Aleksandre Chanturia, Davir Mikadze, Irakli Mikadz; Kakha Shengelia, Irakkli Chitaia Subs: Zaza Labadze (GK), Avtandil Mikadze, Levan Mujiri, Davit Lobzhanidze, Mikheil Mikadze, Davit Chivadze, Kakhaber Tskipurishvili

Albania: (4-3-2-1) Dorian Ethemi; Debatik Currie, Bledar Shima, Armend Dallku, Atin Matelli; Artur Xhyra, Krenar Vokshi, Lorik Cana; Sokol Kacani, Ergys Shameti; Arben Ahmetaj Subs: Armando Paro (GK), Enri Ndreka, Ervin Buzi, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha, Alert Sejdini


Whilst we had been drawing at home with Greece, the Georgian Under-21's has been ripping their Turkish counterparts apart in Turkey, winning out by 3-1 and handing out a warning to the rest of the group. Our hopes and expectations therefore were not sky high, and if we could come away from here with a point, it would be a very good achievement indeed. My aim for these matches was still very simple, that being to find those players who has the potential to play for the full team and nurture then to reach that potential.

International football management is much tougher than at club level in many ways, especially at a smaller country. I cant just get a checkbook and buy players in, I have to make sure the right structure is in place that can tap into the source of playing potential the country has. To a great degree I am reliant on other people, and on the Albania FA upon whom the development of the game rested. I can only work with the recources I have available, although its clear to me that there is a small pool of talent here.

Whether that pool of talent could reach its potential was another matter, and this was just one very small step to finding that out. The Georgians, as you would pehaps expect, started much more strongly, and 20 minutes into the match they were ahead, and I began to fear the worst. Krenar Vokshi was carried off injured after just 28 minutes, which was a bit of a blow. His replacement, Ervin Buzi though was to go on to have an absolute blinder of a match, and ended up as Man of the Match. By half time we were still only trailing by that goal, and we were at least making a good account of ourselves and no-one was letting the side down.

As the match progressed, we were starting to dominate more and more, and finally with 53 minutes on the clock, we were level. Buzi was fully involved in the build up, and his was his final pass that set Kacani up with his chance, which he took very well and we had gained what I believed to be our just reward. Georgia were looking bewildered and bemused now, and had clearly run out of idea. Buzi was causing havoc, and it clear this player is knocking on the door of the full squad.

With 73 minutes gone, Buzi had danced his way into the area, only to be upended by a Georgian defender. Arben Ahmetaj blasted home the resultant spot kick, and we had the lead. Buzi did have the ball in the net as time ran out, but it was mysteriously chopped off for offide. Nevertheless, we held our lead, and in the end came away with an excellent and well deserved win that leaves us top of our group.

How They Played:

Georgia: (4-4-2) Mikheil Kaladze 9; Davit Beridze 5, Levan Lomidze 6, Mikheil Shengelia 7, David Djeladze (off 45) 7; Irakkli Kobiashvili (Y) 7, Aleksandre Chanturia (off 45) 7, Davir Mikadze 7, Irakli Mikadz 7; Kakha Shengelia (off 53) (1) 7, Irakkli Chitaia 7 Subs: Zaza Labadze (GK), Avtandil Mikadze, Levan Mujiri (on 45) 7, Davit Lobzhanidze (on 45) 76, Mikheil Mikadze, Davit Chivadze, Kakhaber Tskipurishvili (on 53) 7

Albania: (4-3-2-1) Dorian Ethemi 7; Debatik Currie 8, Bledar Shima 7, Armend Dallku 8, Atin Matelli 7; Artur Xhyra 7, Krenar Vokshi (inj 28) 7, Lorik Cana (Y) 9; Sokol Kacani(Y)(1) 9, Ergys Shameti 7; Arben Ahmetaj(1) 7 Subs: Armando Paro (GK), Enri Ndreka, Ervin Buzi (on 28) MoM 10, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha, Alert Sejdini

shannon2007

Georgia v Albania
World Cup Qualifying (Europe) Group 2, Matchday 2
Boris Paichadze National Stadium (Tblisi), Georgia
65,198

Line Ups

Georgia (4-4-2): Giorgi Lomaia; Lasha Chelidze, Kakha Kaladze, Giorgi Shashiashvili, Zurab Khizanishvili; Lado Burduli, Georgi Kinkladze, Gocha Jamarauli, Levan Kobiashvili; Shota Arveladze, Alexander Iashvili Subs: Aleksandre Gogoberishvili, Levan Melkadze, David Kaspekashvili, Levan Tskitishvili, Giorgi Oniani, Vasil Gigiadze, Rati Aleksidze.

Albania (4-3-2-1): Arjan Beqaj; Ervin Bulku, Nevil Dede, Geri Cipi, Elvin Beqiri; Paulin Dhembi, Altin Lala, Edwin Murati; Florian Mytraj, Skerdilaid Curri; Bledi Shkembi Subs: Elvis Agolli (GK), Arjan Pisha, Klodian Duro, Rudolf Zedi, Ervin Skela, Devi Muka, Igli Tare.

The aim was to build on the draw with Greece, and use the inspiration from the U-21's win the previous night. Whether we could win here was a matter of opinion. The Georgians have one or two useful players, but I had to believe they were certainly not better that us and if they were it wasn't by much.

After a frantic start to the match, Georgia's Jamarauli was the first player to pick up a yellow. After just three minutes, it was to set the tone of the refereeing, which quite frankly was appalling. On five minutes we won the first corner of the match after Curri broke through the Georgian defence, but it was to come to nothing in the end.

Shashiashvili had the home sides first chance on eight minutes, but his header from a corner was well over the bar. Two minutes later, Khizanishvili became the second player to be yellow carded after bringing down Shkembi. Five minutes later, Kinkladze joined him in the book and any chance of free flowing football was being ruined by an overly fussy official, who was bringing great displeasure on himself from the home support.

The match was becoming bogged down in the midfield, with neither side really creating much in front of goal, on 25 minutes Curri became the first Albanian player into the referee's book and was quickly joined by Kobiashvili, the 4th Georgian to be booked. Just before halftime, Kinkladze hobbled off and his match was over. The half ended, and to be honest , apart from the bookings, it hadnt really begun.

Chelidze didnt show for the second half as the Georgian's seem to be falling apart physically. Six minutes into the half, Murati had the best chance of the game so far, but his weak shot was easily held by Lomaia. The match though was still struggling to find any real momentum, and on 57 minutes I replaced Curri with Muka

A few minutes later, Shashiashvili entered the referee's book, and not too long after Gogoberishvili joined his fellow teammates in the bad book. Myrtaj had a chance on 72 minutes but his effort was wide, and although the game was far from entertaining, we did seem to be making the best chances.

With four minutes left to play, Myrtaj entered the referee's book, and the man in balck wasnt finished yet as he took the name of Arveladze in injury time. In many ways it had been a dissapointing game of football, but I was happy enough to leave with what was a decent enough point, although I couldnt help feeling that with a little but of luck, we could have had all three.

How They Played

Georgia: Giorgi Lomaia 8; Lasha Chelidze (Y) (Inj 45) 7, Kakha Kaladze 7, Giorgi Shashiashvili (Y) 7, Zurab Khizanishvili (Y) 7; Lado Burduli (off 60) 7, Georgi Kinkladze (Inj 41) 7, Gocha Jamarauli (Y) 7, Levan Kobiashvili (Y) 7; Shota Arveladze (Y) 7, Alexander Iashvili 7 Subs: Aleksandre Gogoberishvili (on 41) (Y) 7, Levan Melkadze 7, David Kaspekashvili, Levan Tskitishvili 7, Giorgi Oniani, Vasil Gigiadze, Rati Aleksidze.

Albania (4-3-2-1): Arjan Beqaj 8; Ervin Bulku 7, Nevil Dede 7, Geri Cipi 8, Elvin Beqiri MoM 8; Paulin Dhembi 7, Altin Lala 8, Edwin Murati 8; Florian Mytraj (Y) 7, Skerdilaid Curri (off 57) (Y) 6; Bledi Shkembi 7 Subs: Elvis Agolli (GK), Arjan Pisha, Klodian Duro, Rudolf Zedi, Ervin Skela, Devi Muka (on 57) 7, Igli Tare.

shannon2007

Phew!

It had been hectic start to my managerial career, and although not an outstanding one, it was certainly not in my own opinion, complete failure. The Under 21's have been impressive, but as one or two of them are escalated to the heights of the full squad, it will be interesting to see if they can keep their composure and built on their good start.

The Albanian supporters are starting to accept me now as well. They no longer converge outside the modest housing allocated to me by my employers, waving guns and chanting what uncannilly sounded like 'death, death death'. Of course, there is always that fear that they will resume their chanting should be stumble, and I have taken the liberty of buying a bullet proof vest. Just in case.

The next set of matches for the full team are in October with a very hard tie at home to Denmark which we will be lucky to take a point from, and then we travel to Kazakhstan for a match we must hope to win. The Under 21's of course have the same schedule, and if we can pick up four points as well, then they will be in a great position in the group.

For the Under-19's October is a huge month. We have a friendly at home to Croatia which will hopefully hone the players attitude towards the European Under 19 Championship Qualifying, in Moldova, where we face the hosts of course, and also Norway and the Ukraine. It will be a tough test, and its unlikely the side will qualify but they'll be giving it their best shot.

A quick point of interest on the club front, as Albania recieved a huge boost in the UEFA Cup as Dinamo overcame Martimo by 2-0 at home in the 1st leg, and now stand on the verge reaching the groups stages and guaranteeing four more matches in Europe for Albania. It would be quite an achievement if they could do it.

shannon2007

Albania U19's v Croatia U19's
Friendly, Thursday 7th October 2004
Loro Borici (Shkoder), Albania
1945

Line Ups:

Albania U19s(4-1-3-2): Gerti Sharra; Xhevahir Sukaj, Erjon Bajro, Aldo Guna, Mark Gjini; Emiliano Cela; Andi Lila, Behar Hoti, Florian Manastirliu; Krenar Kosumi, Arber Abilaliaj Subs: Glend Tafaj (GK), Enrik Dafa, Andi Canaj, Arben Prelaj, Besmir Arifaj, Enio Samarxhi, Adonis Shala, Mario Bytyci, Dritan Deda

Croatia(3-5-2): Igor Kovacic; Zoran Tadic, Damir Knezevic, Ante Vukovic; Tomislav Bosnjak, Boris Petrovic, Ante Matic, Krunoslav Tomic, Mario Miletic; Marko Juric, Stjepan Knez Subs: Mario Vukovic (GK), Drazen Lovric, Miroslav Horvat, Hrovje Kolar, Zoran Zivkovic, Ivica Bogdan, Krunoslav Grgic, Tomislav Pranjic, Tomislav Tomic

A tough test for the Under 19's against a talented young Croatian side. This though was an ideal warm up for the Under 19 Qualifying mini tournament and would be a good yard stick for our side. With Gledis promoted to the U-21's, it was a big day for younger brother Gerti Sharra as the still 16 year old would be making his debut at this level, but I felt sure he would not be overawed. This was a young lad who could go far in the game.

We started the game well enough, and the first real chance fell to Florian Manastirliu but his effort was poor and flew over the bar. A few minutes later Abilaliaj saw a shot got wide of the post, and at least we were making chances and were looking positive.

On 18 minutes the Croats won their first corner as they started to come more and more into the match, but this one was to come to nothing. On the half hour, as the Croats took over the game they finally had the ball in the net, Juric with the final touch. Luckily for us the goal was ruled out for offisde. And despite the growing confidence and domination of the young Croats, we managed to reach half time with the match still goalless.

It seemed almost inevitable though that the visitors would score, and just three minutes after the restart, they finally did as a Petrovic shot rebounded off the bar to fall at the feet of Knez who thundered the ball home. On 65 minutes, Pranjic added a second and the Croatians looked like running away with the game now. Yet just four minutes later we had a lifeline, Krenar Kosumi heading home from an Abilaliaj cross.

I decided to make a couple of changes, bringing off Hoti and Guna and replacing them with Shala and [/b] Dafa[/b]. Only a few minutes later, Pranjic got a third and it was clear this was a match we were not going to win. It hadnt been the best performance from us, but nevertheless it was clear we had been outplayed by a much better team. Now we just had to hope we had learned something to see us through the Qualifying group.


How They Played:

Albania U19s(4-1-3-2): Gerti Sharra 6; Xhevahir Sukaj 7, Erjon Bajro 7, Aldo Guna (off 70) 6, Mark Gjini (Y) 7; Emiliano Cela 7; Andi Lila 7, Behar Hoti (off 70) 5, Florian Manastirliu 7; Krenar Kosumi (1) 7, Arber Abilaliaj Subs: Glend Tafaj (GK), Enrik Dafa (on 70) 7, Andi Canaj, Arben Prelaj, Besmir Arifaj, Enio Samarxhi, Adonis Shala (on 70) 7, Mario Bytyci, Dritan Deda

Croatia(3-5-2): Igor Kovacic 7; Zoran Tadic (off 65) 7, Damir Knezevic 8, Ante Vukovic 7; Tomislav Bosnjak (off 63) 7, Boris Petrovic 7, Ante Matic (off 48) 7, Krunoslav Tomic 8, Mario Miletic (off 63) 7; Marko Juric (off 65) 7, [b]Stjepan Knez (off 63) M0M (1) 8 Subs: Mario Vukovic (GK), Drazen Lovric, Miroslav Horvat (on 65) 7, Hrovje Kolar (on 63) 6, Zoran Zivkovic (on 48) 7, Ivica Bogdan, Krunoslav Grgic (on 63) 6, Tomislav Pranjic (on 63) (2) 8, Tomislav Tomic (on 65) 7

shannon2007

Albania U-21's v Denmark U-21's
European U-21 Chammpionship Group 2 Qualifier, Match Day 3, Friday 8th October
Loro Borici (Shkoder), Albania
4371

Line Ups:

Albania: (4-3-2-1) Gledis Sharra; Debatik Currie, Bledar Shima, Armend Dallku, Atin Matelli; Ilir Kalari, Marenglen Kule, Lorik Cana; Sokol Kacani, Ergys Shameti; Taulant Ismailaj Subs: Dorian Ethemi (GK), Enri Ndreka, Edlir Tetova, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha, Tefil Osmani

Denmark (3-2-3-1) Kasper Schmeichel; Jeppe Brandrup, Daniel Agger,Michael Jakobsen, Martin Bergvold; Mikkel Thygesen, Rasmus Wurtz; Peter Benjaminson, Martin Bernburg, Bajram Fetai; Jeppe Lund Curth Subs: Jesper (GK), Fatih Kirik, Sebastian Svard, Martin E. Jensen, Morten Friss, Kasper Lorentzen, Jonas Troest

There was no we would be in for another tough match against a quality Danish side, but so far its safe to say that the Under 21's had done very well and I fully expected they wouldnt let us down tonight. Just three minutes into the match, and another referee who wanted to impose his 'authority' early on as Curri found himself yellow carded for very little to be honest.

The first real chance of the match came after eight minutes, but Kacani's effort was well wide of the goal. Six minutes later Cana mamaged a shot on goal but Brandrup was able to get in the way of his effort and the resulting corner kick came to nothing. A few minutes late Fetai went into the referee's book and Cana again saw a shot on goal deflected wide. You certainly couldnt fault the effort my players were putting in.

A goal didnt seem too far away if we could just keep applying the pressure, and when it did come it was one to savour. Curri knocked the ball from the edge of our penalty to area to thwart a dangerous Danish attack, and Ismailaj picked up the loose ball midway inside his own half. Flicking it out left to Shameti who on turn found Kacani who cut diagonally into the penatly area, skipped passed Brandrup and blasted the ball well beyond Schmeichel.

Cana and Ismailaj had good chances to add to our lead before half time, but neither chances was taken and we win in at the break having being totally the dominant side, but with only that single slender goal to show for it.

The second half started much as the first one, as Kacani forced the Danish keeper into a save after just two minutes. Denmakr did have a chance a few minutes later though Wurtz but his effort was woefull and sailed high over the bar and into the back of the stand, and a minute after that Cana had a virtual replay at the opposite end.

As the match entered that last 15 minutes or so, Denmark were starting to up the ante as they piled on the pressure, and there were fears all our excellent hard work would be undone. The the credit of the defence, and U-21 debut keeper Sharra, the held resolutely firm, and the Danes were denied. Just inside injury time as we finally managed to create another chance, another debut boy, Ismailaj capped his fine performance with a goal, and we had deservedly taken another giant leap nearer the Euro U-21 finals.


How They Played:

Albania: Gledis Sharra 7; Debatik Currie (Y) 8, Bledar Shima 8, Armend Dallku 8, Atin Matelli 7; Ilir Kalari (off 63) 6, Marenglen Kule 8, Lorik Cana 7; Sokol Kacani MoM (1) 10, Ergys Shameti 7; Taulant Ismailaj (1) 7 Subs: Dorian Ethemi (GK), Enri Ndreka, Edlir Tetova (on 73) 7, Erogen Brajovic, Migen Taipi, Leonard Muzha, Tefil Osmani

Denmark Kasper Schmeichel 8; Jeppe Brandrup (off 73) 7, Daniel Agger 7,Michael Jakobsen 7, Martin Bergvold (off 61) 7; Mikkel Thygesen 7, Rasmus Wurtz 7; Peter Benjaminson 7, Martin Bernburg (off 61) 7, Bajram Fetai (Y) 7 Jeppe Lund Curth 7 Subs: Jesper (GK), Fatih Kirik, Sebastian Svard, Martin E. Jensen (on 61) 7 , Morten Friss, Kasper Lorentzen (on 61) 7, Jonas Troest( on 73) 7