The Albania National Football Team: A Comprehensive Guide
History and Background
The Albania national football team, known as Kombëtarja e futbollit të Shqipërisë in Albanian, was founded in 1930 and represents Albania in men's international football competitions. The team is governed by the Football Association of Albania (FSHF) and has its headquarters in Tirana.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1930
- Governing body: Football Association of Albania (FSHF)
- Address: Rruga Labinoti, Tirana, Albania
- Phone: +355 434 660 5
- Fax: +355 434 660 9
Notable Achievements
Despite being a relatively small country, the Albania national football team has had some memorable achievements:
- Qualified for the UEFA European Championship finals in 2016
- Won the Balkan Cup in 1946
- Reached the quarter-finals of the 1964 UEFA European Nations' Cup
Current Status and Recent Performances
The Albania national football team is currently ranked 66th in the FIFA World Rankings (as of December 2022). In recent years, the team has experienced mixed results, with some promising performances and some setbacks. They narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and are currently competing in the UEFA Nations League.
Key Players and Prospects
The Albania national football team has a number of talented players, including:
- Thomas Strakosha (goalkeeper, Brentford)
- Elseid Hysaj (defender, Lazio)
- Berat Gjimshiti (defender, Atalanta)
- Ardian Ismajli (midfielder, Spezia)
- Sokol Cikalleshi (forward, Qarabag)
These players form the backbone of the team and will be crucial to Albania's success in the years to come.
Future Outlook
The future of the Albania national football team looks promising. The team has a number of talented young players emerging and is slowly but surely climbing the FIFA World Rankings. With continued hard work and dedication, Albania has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in European football.
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