Albania took a major step towards the knockout stages at Euro 2016 on Sunday evening with a 1-0 victory over Romania that leaves them dependent on qualifying as one of the best third-place teams.
Gianni de Biasi’s side were underdogs for the clash but took the lead through an Armando Sadiku header shortly before half-time. Despite pressure from their opponents, they were able to keep them out.
Here’s what both sides said post-match:
Armando Sadiku, Albania goalscorer:
“It is, of course, hugely emotional. We’ve already achieved our goal and for that we are very happy. I am very satisfied to score but the credit goes to the whole team.
“I can’t describe [the moment I scored]. It was very emotional. A very happy moment to see all the Albanians, to make them happy and see them celebrating. For this I am very pleased.”
Gianni de Biasi, Albania coach:
“I’m sure we gave huge joy to the Albanian fans. Not just the Albanians in Albania, but Albanians who live around the world.
“We contained a team that has quality and strength and that conceded just two goals in qualifying. We got there with heart and quality. We played with our heads and with mental strength.
“We will have to prepare as if we’ll be playing on Friday or Saturday, so we’ll have five or six days. We’ll watch the other games and get ready.
“If we stay, we can cause trouble for other teams – even big teams. I think we grew in confidence tonight.”
Lorik Cana, Albania captain:
“It’s an incredible feeling. The guys in the team have sacrificed so much in these three matches. They gave so much of themselves, and I believe we deserved it and we have earned this reward.
“Desire, the heart that we have, the sacrifice – that’s something incredible in our team.”
Anghel Iordanescu, Romania coach:
“A loss is a loss and we’re really sorry for what happened. Because of a mistake in our defence, we conceded a goal.
“Do I think we deserved to qualify? Yes and no. If you don’t get a win, you don’t deserve to qualify.
“I said yesterday that this was the game of a generation, and it’s true: qualification would have been a reward for this generation. They did everything they could to qualify.”