Albania’s draw away to the Czech Republic was perhaps the key moment in their qualifying campaign. In Group E, they were drawn alongside Moldova and the Faroe Islands as well as a Polish side that underwhelmed.
The Albanians finished joint top with the Czechs on fifteen points, losing just a single match against Poland in Warsaw.
Tournament Record
Albania are one of the teams that have benefitted from the tournament’s expansion to 24 teams. They debuted at Euro 2016 in France when the format was first introduced and managed three points, winning against Romania after losses to both Switzerland – in a heated match – and hosts France. In Lens, amid a sea of red supporters in the stands, Albania-Switzerland pitted the two Xhaka brothers against each other.
The Manager
After his arrival, Sylvinho, Albania’s first non-European manager, got Albania back on the road by trusting some of the younger players. He moved to Tirana to immerse himself in the local game and local culture and brought along his assistants Doriva and Pablo Zabaleta.
Sylvinho managed both Olympique Lyon in France and Corinthians in Brazil. He previously was a member of Brazil’s backroom staff under Tite and an assistant of Roberto Mancini. As a player, he featured for Arsenal and FC Barcelona.
The Star Player
A backup to Hakan Calhanoglu at Inter Milan, Kristjan Asllani is the midfield maestro of the Albanian team, who is key to dictating play and expressing the side’s style. At 22, he still has room to progress. Aslanni previously played for Empoli and Albania’s youth national teams.
What to Expect
Sylvinho rejuvenated Albania, but the reality is that his team will be up against it in the group of death in Germany.
They meet the reigning European champions, the 2012 European champions and Luka Modric’s stellar crew, who reached the final of the 2018 World Cup. The Eagles then have a very tough draw and kick off their campaign against Italy. Can they cause an upset or should they simply saviour the moment?
This Albanian generation is superior to the team that debuted at Euro 2016. Their Brazilian manager has a Midas touch and applies a firm hand when making key decisions.
He prefers a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, shifting away from the country’s previous defensive style. Even so, Albania largely still rely on the counterattack and it won’t be any different in Germany. Kristjan Asllani, Marash Kumbulla and Armando Broja are some of the names to watch out for. At the same time, Sylvinho, without much of an explanation, left out Sokol Cikalleshi, Myrto Uzuni and Keidi Bare, decisions that were questioned.
Calendar
Saturday, June 15 Italy – Albania. BVB Stadion, Dortmund, 9 pm
Wednesday, June 19 Croatia – Albania. Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, 3 pm
Monday, June 24 Albania – Spain. Dusseldorf Stadium, Dusseldorf, 9 pm