[ALBSA-Info] {QIKSH =?ISO-8859-1?Q?=AB?=ALBEUROPA=?ISO-8859-1?Q?=BB?=} Soccer-Albania In Historic 2-0 Win Over Greece

[Nikoll A Mirakaj]

Soccer-Albania In Historic 2-0 Win Over Greece 

TIRANA, Oct 12, 2000 -- (Reuters) Headers by Alban Bushi and substitute Ervin Fakaj gave Albania a 2-0 victory over Greece in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday and their first ever win over the Greeks in an official match.

Bushi jumped higher than the Greek defense to head the ball home after a cross by Fatmir Vata in the 50th minute.

The Greek side, unable to field some of their best players, including defenders Grigoris Georgatos and Giorgios Amanatidis, played a better tactical game in the first half but failed to turn three good chances into goals.

Albanian striker Igli Tare squandered his team's best chance in the 30th minute when he was alone in front of the Greek goal but sent a lame shot into the hands of Antonis Nikopolidis.

Despite three substitutions in the second half, the Greek team could not manage to shake the Albanians who were galvanized by the home crowd of about 20,000 and the promise of a USD 10,000 bonus each by Prime Minister Ilir Meta should they win.

Fakaj sealed the Albanian victory with a header in the final moments, delighting the fans who headed for the streets to celebrate.

Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta, wearing the national team colors, celebrated the victory with the team and members of his government at the squad hotel residence outside Tirana.

"Thanks for the victory," Meta told the players. "You are the country's best ambassadors. Albania needed this victory to raise national pride."

Albanian captain Rudi Vata said he was happy they had won the so-called "Balkan derby", especially for those Albanians living and working as immigrants in Greece.

"I wish it could bring luck to the future of (impoverished) Albania," said Vata.

(C)2000 Copyright Reuters Limited

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