ALB – SRB (0-2)

In a match that was full of political tensions, more than anything else, Serbia won their second leg match against Albania, at the Elbasan city stadium. The uneventful 90 minutes were suddenly brought to life after two quick goals during stoppage time. Serbia’s goal, during the first half of the duel (31′) was annulled, due to what was estimated as a strong contact between the Albanian keeper, and Serbia’s Zoran Tošić.

As the second half of this Euro 2016 qualifying match was lagging to a close, a beautiful pairing between Adem Ljajić and Aleksandar Kolarov, resulted in the first official goal of the night. Kolarov made sure the ball shook the net, from his left side, to the lower right hand corner. All of this, in the 91. minute.

Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov, not seen, scores the first goal of his team during the group I Euro 2016 qualifying match between Albania and Serbia at the Elbasan Arena in Elbasan, central Albania, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. Serbia won 2-0. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Photo: AP/Thanassis Stavrakis.

As the home crowd was losing the energy to support their team, Ljajić is facing Berisha alone. His seamless lob shot, ended up right where it was supposed to. A total of two goals to null, as the stadium, mostly filled by the home fans was completely silenced.

The few Serbian fans that did make it to the Elbasan stadium were ecstatic, while the players ran up to them, to celebrate this moral and athletic win.

A victory in an occasion that was a lot more than just a game.

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