Albania keep Euro hopes alive with win over Russia

Albania 3 Russia 1

Midfielder Altin Lala dribbled past half the Russian defence to put the home side 2-1 in front on 80 minutes before Russia’s goalkeeper Sergei Ochinnikov failed to hold an Igli Tare header and the forward stuck the loose ball into the net.

Albania’s victory closes the gap on second-placed Russia to just two points and the Albanians could go above the Russians if they beat Ireland on Wednesday in Tirana.