Mistrovství světa - kvalifikace FIFA - Mistrovství světa - kvalifikace 2026

Latvia pay penalty as Eagles soar into World Cup contention Matt Jones, 09.09.2025 22:41 Albania boosted their hopes of reaching a first-ever FIFA World Cup, as they extended an unbeaten run to four games by beating Latvia 1-0 thanks to Kristjan Asllani’s penalty. The previous six meetings between these two nations had ended all square, but the hosts seized the initiative from the off in this one. Qazim Laçi spurned two chances, failing to hit the target with either of them, either side of Armando Broja’s fizzer across the box that went narrowly past the far post. They eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half from the penalty spot, with Asllani confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after Laçi’s left-wing cross had hit the raised arm of Deniss Meļņiks. It was nearly two before the half hour mark, as Rey Manaj spun and aimed for the bottom corner from distance, but fired inches wide. Asllani then clipped over from outside the area, before the visitors finally had their first chance of the game, although Daniels Balodis' looping header landed harmlessly on the roof of the net. Goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris was then nearly left red faced at the other end as a tame backpass dribbled under his studs and nearly went over the goal line. Sylvinho’s men continued to push after the break, with Nedim Bajrami sliding another chance wide after Elseid Hysaj’s surging run down the right. Captain Berat Djimsiti then somehow missed a sitter from close range, firing off target after a free-kick dropped his way just six yards out, before Rangers man Bajrami tested Zviedris with a bouncing effort from outside the box. The visitors, seeking to end a run of three without a win, saw Vladislavs Gutkovskis bundle a rare chance wide. He then finally landed Latvia’s first shot on target with a swinging 85th minute volley that was easily saved as Paolo Nicolato’s men ultimately made it five games without a win. Albania, who had Mario Mitaj to thank for a late goal line clearance, move into a play-off spot in Group K, profiting from Serbia’s defeat to England.