Albania beats Romania 1-0 to keep Euro 2016 hopes alive
Albania recorded their first major tournament win with victory in Lyon over Romania that gives them hope of reaching the Euro 2016 last 16.
Armando Sadiku’s first-half header clinched Albania their maiden win at a major tournament and first against Romania in 68 years to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2016 knockout stages.
FC Zurich’s Armando Sadiku scored the only goal of the game when he headed past keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.
Albania finished their Group A campaign with three points and will now wait to see if they are one of the four best third-placed teams.
Romania went close to an equaliser with a superb move in the 76th minute that ended in substitute Andone crashing a rising shot against the woodwork but Albania refused to buckle as Anghel Iordanescu’s side began to press.
If Albania do reach the last 16 then they will face the winners of Group B, which contains England and Wales, or the winners of Group C, which includes Northern Ireland.
Albania’s players celebrated the historic victory with their Italian coach after the final whistle, while the team’s large contingent of fans cheered wildly at the Stade de Lyon.
“A very happy moment to see all the Albanians, to make them happy and see them rejoicing,” goal scorer Sadiku said.
