SOLEMN ACT/ Gjati pledges to pay more attention to the needs of non-prime ministers

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

Reuters analysis: Albania's underestimation could turn into a boomerang for the group's rivals

2024-06-03 20:00:19Fokus SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Sylvinho

"The fact that no one expects the red and black national team to pass the group, may turn out to be the key to success for the team."

This is what Reuters writes in a presentation to our National Team, adding that since the teams of the group take it for granted that Albania will not pass the group stage, this lack of pressure can make our country the surprise of the European Championship.

"Albania's participation in Euro 2024 is only their second appearance at a major tournament and, while they face an extremely difficult group, the lack of expectation could work in Albania's favour," writes Reuters.

Their only previous appearance at the Euros came in 2016, where they failed to progress to the knockout stages, and this time they will face reigning champions Italy alongside Spain and Croatia in Group B.

Albania will have the opportunity to benefit from a great experience where it came out as the head of the group in the qualifiers, surpassing the Czech Republic and Poland.

Since their historic debut in 2016, Albania have missed out on qualifying for the last Euro along with two World Cups, but under new coach Sylvinho, there has been a turnaround. In 2022, Albania scored only one victory in 11 matches. Sylvinho took over at the start of 2023 and the team won 5 out of 9 matches, losing just 1 time.

The coach took colleagues, Brazilian Doriva and Argentine Pablo Zabaleta to work together. They decided to find players that fit their style of play. Jasir Asani is one of those players, on the right wing and with his left footed shots, he has featured in every game since Sylvinho's arrival and scored three goals in the qualifiers.

Albania will hope to catch Italy by surprise in the first match. Many Rossoneri players are familiar with their opponents. Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami, Berat Djimsiti, Elseid Hysaj, Ylber Ramadani, Etrit Berisha and Ardian Ismajli all play for clubs in Series A.

Albania has lost all four previous meetings with Italy and has suffered defeat against Spain in each of its eight matches, while this will be the first match with Croatia.

"When the draw was made for the European qualifying group, it was expected that Poland and the Czech Republic would be ranked first and this gave Albania the opportunity to win the battle. Albania proved to be the strongest, so being weak on paper seems to suit the Albanian National Team. Since neither team expects Albania to get through the group, this could make Albania dangerous," concludes Reuters.


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×