The Albania National Team
Founded on 6 June 1930, Albania had to wait 16 years to play its first international match, which was against Yugoslavia in 1946. In 1932, Albania had already joined FIFA (during the congress 12 June - 16 June) and in 1954 it was one of the founding members of UEFA. Albania was invited to play in the 1934 World Cup, but did not take part due to logistical problems.
In addition to the senior football team, the national association places great importance on youth development work. There are championships at various age levels, including U-18, U-16, U-14, U-12 and U-10, while each club in the top 2 divisions is obliged to have a structured youth development programme in place. Moreover, there are regional select teams for all age levels. Albanian Football celebrated its greatest day on 29 March 2003, when the national team defeated Russia 3-1 in a EURO 2004 qualifying match in Tirana. Albanian teams have also recorded impressive results in the past, but major success has not yet come Albania's way. Albanian footballers are in great demand abroad. Some 200 Albanian players play their trade in a number of top leagues in Europe.
The most famous player at the moment is Lorik Cana, Ex-captain of Sunderland in Premier League, England.
Read more about this topic: Football In Albania
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“giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
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“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.””
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