Albania’s journey at Euro 2024 concluded at the bottom of their group with just a single point, a statistic that starkly contrasts with the vibrant and passionate imprint they left on the tournament. Despite their underdog status as the second-lowest ranked team and being pitted against formidable opponents, including reigning champions Italy, Albania’s performance exceeded all expectations, marking their second-ever major tournament appearance with unforgettable moments.
Record-Breaking Start Against Italy
The opening match against Italy was the stuff of dreams, or perhaps nightmares for the Italian side. Just seconds after the whistle blew, Albania carved their names into Euro history. A mere three passes into the game, Italy faltered with a throw-in, and Albanian midfielder Nedim Bajrami seized the golden opportunity. With lightning speed, he hammered the ball into the net, clocking in the fastest goal ever witnessed in the history of the Euros – a breathtaking 23 seconds.
Dortmund erupted in a sea of red as Albanian fans, vastly outnumbering their Italian counterparts, went into raptures. The scenes back in Tirana, Albania’s capital, were equally euphoric, with celebrations spilling out from bars and homes. Bajrami’s feat instantly became an iconic moment for the proud Balkan nation, an unforgettable highlight of their Euro 2024 campaign. While Italy managed to regain composure and score twice, Albania remained a persistent threat, pushing the reigning champions to their limits and narrowly missing an equalizer in the dying moments of the match. Their spirited performance earned them a standing ovation and admiration from global audiences who had initially written them off.
Thrilling Draw with Croatia
Albania continued to captivate fans in their second Group B clash against Croatia. In another electrifying match, they defied expectations once more, securing a 2-2 draw with a goal in the final moments. This dramatic showdown was lauded as one of the most enthralling games of the entire tournament, showcasing Albania’s resilience and never-say-die attitude. The Albanian supporters were sent into ecstasy again, their belief in their team growing with each spirited display.
Showing Grit Against Spain
The final group game saw a more defensively solid Albania against Spain, yet they still posed significant challenges to the Spanish giants. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat, Albania, spearheaded by the dynamic play of Jasir Asani and Kristjan Asllani, created uncomfortable moments for their illustrious opponents, proving they were no pushovers even against top-tier teams.
Pride and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on their Euro 2024 journey, Albania captain Berat Djimsiti expressed immense pride. “In general, I would consider it a positive performance in this tournament,” Djimsiti stated. “Everything is possible in football and, with a little bit of luck, we could have done more.” Coach Sylvinho, alongside his Brazilian and Argentinian team members Doriva and Pablo Zabaleta, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the significant progress his young and relatively inexperienced squad had made under his guidance. Sylvinho emphasized how Albania had defied predictions of heavy defeats, managing to compete fiercely against three football powerhouses in a challenging group.
Albania’s football federation harbors ambitious goals for the future, hoping that the invaluable experience gained at Euro 2024 will pave the way for more frequent appearances at major international tournaments.
Unforgettable Fan Support
One of the most striking aspects of Albania’s Euro 2024 campaign was the phenomenal support from their fans. They consistently outnumbered opposing fans, creating a vibrant and deafening atmosphere at every match. Whether traveling from Albania or from the vast Albanian diaspora across the globe, their passion was undeniable. Faton Shkodra, a 33-year-old fan celebrating in Hamburg, perfectly captured the sentiment: “If there was a trophy for fans, then we’ve already won it. We are so proud of our players, they are so proud of us.”
Despite their early exit, Albania’s Euro 2024 journey was far from a disappointment. They arrived as underdogs and departed as heroes, having etched their mark on the tournament with record-breaking moments, spirited performances, and an army of passionate fans. The “Albania Euros” story of 2024 is one of pride, passion, and a promising future for Albanian football.
Source: News Agencies
