Albanian journalists write that the 2-1 victory does not reflect what was happening on the field, as Silvinho's team could have scored 3-4 goals and beat Ukraine more confidently. Nevertheless, three points in the match against Ukraine is a serious achievement, which will allow Albania to feel more relaxed before the match with Georgia, and also gives the team a chance to fight for the first place in this Nations League group and to qualify for the A division.
Ukraine — Albania — 1:2Telegrafi
"Having defeated Ukraine Albania gets the first three points in the Nations League" - a journalist of the Telegrafi website believes that Silvinho's team defeated the Ukrainians, though not by the result, but by the game, as they could have scored many more goals in Trubin's goal.
- Albania managed to reverse the outcome of the match and defeat Ukraine with a score of 2:1 in the match, which was held in the Czech Republic in the framework of the renewed Nations League. Albania had the first scoring opportunity of the match, as they could have opened the scoring in the ninth minute. There were at least 4 such chances in the first half, but each time something was missing to get the ball behind Trubin's back.
Konopli's goal at the beginning of the second half was more of a surprise, as Ukraine created few chances. Albania's response was immediate and they managed to equalize thanks to Ismaili, who scored in the 54th minute. "Reds" did not stop there and scored a second goal, which eventually turned into a 2-1 victory. Silvinho's side had no trouble holding off the Ukrainian attacks and deservedly picked up their first three points in the Nations League. Things could have ended much worse for Ukraine.
Panorama
"A red-and-black masterpiece! Albania's fantastic win against Ukraine", - the journalist of Panorama website is delighted with Silvinho's team's performance and writes that the victory over Ukraine could end up being a key one for Albania in their fight to qualify for the A-League.
- Albania have made a fantastic start to this Nations League campaign, winning the first leg against Ukraine in Prague. In a match in which the opponent had almost no chances, Albania played well in the first half but failed to score a goal, although there were plenty of opportunities to do so. The more surprising was that it was Ukraine who scored the first goal in our match, when Konoplya effectively shot and managed to take our goalkeeper by surprise. But we should pay tribute to Albania, who did not worry about it for long, almost immediately equalizing the score. Ukrainians did not expect to concede, so they could not create anything in the attack, looking helpless and attacking sumptuously. Albania scored the second goal, which became the winning goal. 2:1 - this is a crucial victory at the start, which will give confidence to the team before the match with Georgia, which may well become the favorite in the fight for first place in our group.
Shqip
"Great Albania triumphs in the match against Ukraine" - the journalist of Shqip website talks about the fact that this is the first victory over the Ukrainian team, which in itself makes this match historic for Albania.
- Albania shows its strength in Prague. "Red-Blacks" defeated Ukraine 2-1 in the first League B match in the Nations League. A huge success for our national team because this is the first victory over this opponent in history!
In the first half there was no shortage of scoring opportunities: both teams could open the scoring, but Albania created much more dangerous chances at Trubin's goal. Rebrov's team played not in the best way in the first half, but pleased Ukrainian fans in the 49th minute, when Konoplya sent the ball behind the back of the Albanian goalkeeper - Strakosha.
Silvinho's wards did not give up and managed to turn the situation around. Ismaili realized his moment in the 54th minute, and Asani scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute. Until the end of the match our team defended the result with relative ease, earning 3 points. This victory was not only the most important in the fight for the first places in our group, but also a historic one in the confrontation with Ukraine.
Albania will play against Georgia in the next match in a few days. This match will determine who will go into the break in first place in the group. Ukraine will challenge the Czech Republic in an underdog match.
