Euro 2016: Albania alive! Sadiku header knocks out Romanians
A first-half header by striker Armando Sadiku gave Albania a 1-0 win over Romania at Euro 2016 on Sunday and kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages in their first major tournament.
The result of a pulsating clash left the Balkan nation third in Group A on three points behind France and Switzerland, meaning that they are in contention to finish as one of the best four third-placed teams who will progress to the last 16.
It also eliminated a toothless Romanian side who finished bottom on one point. A lack of cutting edge made them easy prey for the competition's rank outsiders, who thrived in an intense atmosphere in Lyon's new stadium.
Romania made a bright start and their crisp passing kept the Albanians on the back foot in the opening 20 minutes. But they were restricted to long-range efforts and a Bogdan Stancu volley which was saved by goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.
As in their opening two games, Albania were well organised at the back and disciplined in midfield.
Roared on by their noisy fans, many wearing traditional cone-shaped white caps, the Albanians missed a superb chance in the 23rd minute when left wing Ermir Lenjani skied his shot from seven metres with the goal at his mercy.
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