[ALBSA-Info] The Independent - Football

[Agron Alibali]

Independent on Sunday (London) 


March 25, 2001, Sunday 

SPORT; Pg. 4 

FOOTBALL: JUST TOO KLOSE FOR GERMAN COMFORT; 
 GERMANY 2 DEISLER 50, KLOSE 88 ALBANIA1 KOLA 65
HALF-TIME: 0- 0 ATTENDANCE: 22,500 

Peter Fischer In Leverkusen 




MIROSLAV KLOSE came off the bench last night to score
a controversial winner two minutes from time and
rescue Germany from the embarrassment of failing to
beat England's next World Cup opponents, Albania, at
the BayArena. 

Klose marked his first cap by diving in at the far
post to head into an empty net following Marco
Rehmer's right-wing cross. But it appeared that three
German players - including Klose - were in offside
positions when the ball was played through to Rehmer. 

The goal was allowed to stand and Germany moved five
points clear of England at the top of group nine, with
maximum points after three games. 

Germany's coach, Rudi Voller, was not impressed by his
side's struggle. "We played as if afraid and did not
take enough risks, especially in the first half," the
former World Cup striker said. "Still, such wins are
very important for a team's morale. Now I just hope
Albania have not used up too much energy in this game
and play equally well against England." 

His side was forced on to the back foot by the
impressive Albanians despite taking the lead after a
goalless first-half. Sebastian Deisler broke the
deadlock five minutes after the interval with a
speculative 25-yard shot, which should have been
saved. The Albanian goalkeeper, Foto Strakosha,
alllowed the ball to go in despite getting both hands
to it. 

Instead of using their good fortune as a platform to
sweep the Albanians aside, the Germans looked nervous
and paid the penalty when Albania, who previously beat
Greece 2-0, scored an equaliser through Bledar Kola's
fierce 25-yard shot in the 66th minute. 

The winner two minutes from time was difficult to
swallow as Albania, pushing up for what they though
was a clear offside, were cruelly punished. 

Meanwhile, the Football Association are in continuous
contact with the British consulate in Tirana and,
although bulletins suggest that the game on Wednesday
will go ahead as planned, a final decision will not be
made until tomorrow. 

England's coach, Sven Goran Eriksson, said he had not
yet viewed the videos of Albania's recent games his
assistants have gathered. If he watches the tape of
this match, he might be tempted to try to persuade the
FA that England should not travel to Tirana. 

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