New Kosova Report

Albania takes on hopeful Bulgarians

Thursday, 18 October 2007

Tonight at 20:45 CET the Albanian national team takes on the Bulgarian side at Qemal Stafa. Albania coming from a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Celje last Saturday is hoping for points to gain advantage against Slovenia for the fourth spot in the group, granting them a better ranking ahead of the next qualifications.

The Bulgarian side comes to Tirana with a full-boosted squad with practically no big names missing. It’s set for a tough and decisive game for both teams in Tirana tonight. An outsold stadium is to be expected and without a doubt the security will be severely strengthened considering the fact that Albanian and Bulgarian fans caused clashes last year when the champion teams from both nations faced each other in the European qualification stages. Bulgaria, currently placed third, only two points behind the Netherlands are in urgent need of three points to keep their dream of European qualification a possibility. Albania however have their target set on at least a draw tonight enabling them to reach 11 points and advancing up front of Slovenia who currently have one game more played.

Albania, missing their two key players Edmond Kapllani of Karlsruher SC and Marseille captain Lorik Cana will most probably play a 4-4-2 against Bulgaria with starting debutant Hamdi Salihi playing up front with Erjon Bogdani of Livorno. The position of Cana will be covered by Hannover 96 captain Altin Lala whilst Ervin Skela takes care of the offensive midfield position.

The Kosovar keeper Arjan Beqaj will defend the net while Nevil Dede and Prishtina-born Debatik Curri will play in central defence. The defending wings will be covered by Altin Haxhi and Kristi Vangjeli. The biggest surprise on the first XI of Albania is probably Armend Dallku starting as a right midfielder. Albanian coach Otto Baric is looking for extra help for Vangjeli to cover Bulgarian superstar Martin Petrov. However, Dallkus offensive qualities may come to use for Bogdani and Salihi whose teams offensive play has been all but impressive during the latest games.

Bulgarian coach Penev says this is the decisive game for Bulgaria, “"I have said it several times before: the reason we do not hold our destiny in our hands is the goalless draw with Albania in Sofia earlier this year. If we had won, it would have been a different situation. Now, we must focus on the next three games. We have to win them all."”

Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov backs him up by promising to fight until the very end, Kristi Vangjeli counters with claiming the Bulgarian offensive is very strong, “however, not stronger than Albanias defence”.