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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Albania, Serbia clash in high-stakes, politically charged WC qualifier
The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memoriesA 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with KosovoSerbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos "should not be repeated." We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players," he said. We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory. Organizers remind fans it's a gameArmand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal. We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity, Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which "will contribute to a quieter environment, Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions, Duka said. They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game. Nationalists and soccer fans at oddsAlthough political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. Go there and beat them, he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. Everyone says that the first game is very important," Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memories A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with Kosovo Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos 'should not be repeated.' 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players,' he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Organizers remind fans it's a game Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which 'will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Nationalists and soccer fans at odds Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important,' Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' ___ Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. ___ AP soccer:
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. The 2014 Belgrade brawl fresh in memories A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia's tense ties with Kosovo Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos 'should not be repeated.' 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players,' he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Organizers remind fans it's a game Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which 'will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Nationalists and soccer fans at odds Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important,' Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' ___ Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. ___ AP soccer:
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Albania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
TIRANA, Albania — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different. The match in Tirana isn't just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It's a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside. It is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history. Serbia and Albania are in the same European qualifying group — alongside England, Latvia and Andorra. The last time they met on Albanian soil was in 2015, when Serbia won 2-0 even though Serbian fans were banned from the match. A 2014 game between the teams in Belgrade was abandoned when a drone carrying an Albanian flag sparked a full-scale brawl. Albania was awarded a 3-0 victory after a ruling said the match couldn't be continued due to the hostile environment at the stadium. That clinched Albania's qualification to the 2016 European Championship — a first for the team. That match had already been considered high risk. Kosovo, which has a majority Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 — a move Serbia does not recognize. Football, often a mirror of nationalism and politics, reflected this deep divide. As Tirana braces for the latest showdown, memories of that night — and the nationalistic fervor it unleashed — hover just beneath the surface. Serbia and Albania remain at odds over the status of now-independent Kosovo, and fan rivalry is still intense. Almost half of the Albanian squad is of Albanian origin from Kosovo, North Macedonia or southern Serbia. For players, this is a contest overshadowed by history, politics, and national pride — a reminder that sometimes sport is anything but just a game. Albania defender Elseid Hysaj, who was part of the 2014 match, said the chaos "should not be repeated." 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players," he said. 'We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.' Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on Albanians to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.' 'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told The Associated Press. There will be a heavy police presence, road closures, and searches of fans entering the stadium. Serbian fans are barred, which "will contribute to a quieter environment,' Duka said. The sides have taken steps to forge a better relationship. Albania and Serbia will co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027 in a project that aims to overcome political tensions. 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions,' Duka said. 'They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.' Although political tensions have somewhat subsided in recent years, nationalists and soccer fans on both sides are deeply at odds. Both Albania and Serbia have faced sanctions from European soccer's governing body because of politically-charged incidents involving fans. Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic, however, recently added fuel by telling Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic at a big rally of his supporters that Serbia must win. 'Go there and beat them,' he said, addressing Stojkovic who was in the crowd. Stojkovic and some players have tried to ease tensions, saying it is just another match. 'Everyone says that the first game is very important," Stojkovic said of Serbia's opener in Group K. 'We are very focused on starting the way we want to and we will prepare to play the best we can in that sense, with all due respect to Albania.' Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. soccer: /hub/soccer
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marco Baroni Reveals Why He Excluded Luca Pellegrini From Lazio Lists, Provides Injury Updates
After days of speculations, Lazio coach Marco Baroni explained the main reason behind his controversial selections which saw Luca Pellegrini left out from the lists. The 25-year-old's omission dominated the headlines in recent days, as he failed to make the cut in both Serie A and Europa League squads. The coach decided to replace him with Elseid Hysaj (who was selected on both lists), while Toma Basic was surprisingly included in the Serie A list. While some claimed the club is looking to avoid activating the player's obligation-to-buy clause from Juventus, Baroni explained that the left-back's lack of effort in training prompted the decision. The manager revealed as much in his press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) ahead of Sunday's Serie A contest against Monza. Two factors have influenced the exclusion of the new players (Ibrahimovic, Belahyane and Provstgaard) from the UEFA list. First, they still need time to adjust. Second, those who played in the group stage have more merit. As for Pellegrini, it was my choice, absolutely. Clearly it arises from some considerations. The first is that within the team, I base everything on a sacredness, the group comes before players and coaches. This is within the sacrifice, the ability to give everything in training. We must give 120%, not 70% or 80%. Therefore, I believe Luca can have the opportunity to bounce back, as the door is still open. Indeed, I thank him because he worked hard in the last two days. I want to see this desire every day, the dedication to return to the team. I have already showed my faith in him in the first half of the season. I played him more than any other coach. As for the weekend contest, Baroni insisted the team will have to show some grit as it won't be an easy match despite playing the team that resides at the bottom of the table. It's a high-risk match as Monza are in trouble, but it is a team that is focused. They know they don't have too many chances left, so this is where the difficulties lie. We will have to be focused on putting up a performance, with determination and competitive ferocity. We need rhythm, desire and determination. The 61-year-old also delivered some encouraging updates on his injured players, even Elseid Hysaj sustained a thigh injury last week. Nuno Tavares and Lazzari will play. If not from the start, then during the match. As for Hysaj, he's on the lists. so I clearly hope to have him back as soon as possible. I had no doubts about his capabilities. In the beginning, different choices made by the club, I cannot get into the economic issues. When the door reopened, he came back with us. Matias Vecino is important for us, he is close to returning like Patric. They are almost two new signings as they have been away for a long time. They represent an extraordinary added value for the team.
