FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The evening of September 4, 2004 will remain long in the memory of Albanian sports fans. The historic Albania-Greece match took place at the “Qemal Stafa” stadium, just two months after the neighbors had lifted the European Championship trophy, defeating Portugal in the final.
The atmosphere in Tirana was electrifying and the fans' enthusiasm exploded from the very first minutes. Within the first 10 minutes, the Rossoneri shocked the European champions: first with a goal from Altin Murati and then with that of Adrian Aliaj, turning the stadium into a "volcanic" arena.
Greece managed to narrow the deficit with Giannakopoulos, but until the end the score remained unchanged at 2-1. A great victory for Albania, which not only put an end to the myth of the "invincibles", but also wrote a golden page in the history of Albanian football.
The celebrations were not limited to Albania. The red and black flag waved proudly in every corner of the globe where Albanians lived. The capital was 'flooded by a sea' of celebrations, while the symbolic banner "This is not Portugal" marked the irony of the European champions.
However, the euphoria of victory was accompanied by a tragic event. In Zakynthos, Greece, Albanian fan Gramoz Palushi, only 20 years old, was brutally murdered for his sincere celebration of the national team. His death shocked public opinion and remains an open wound, demanding respect.
Today, 21 years later, the memory of that success remains indelible, as the emotional peak of the National Team. The Albanian government of that time awarded the team a 600 thousand euro bonus. September 4, 2004 will always be remembered as the day when Albanian football achieved one of the greatest victories in its history, but also as the day that brought the pain of the loss of Gramoz Palushi for the flag.
Today, 21 years later, the 'Red and Black Fans' group reacted to this incident. "Gramoz Palushi fell for the flag," writes TKZ.
Albania 2-1 Greece - September 4, 2004 at 'Qemal Stafa'
Albania: Foto Strakosha; Elvin Beqiri, Ardian Aliaj, Besnik Hasi, Altin Lala, Lorik Cana, Klodian Duro, Florian Myrtaj, Ervin Skela, Edvin Murati, Igli Tare Coach: Hans-Peter Brigel
Greece: Antonis Nikopolidis, Nikos Dabizas, Mihalis Kapsis, Panayotis Fisas, Jorgos Seitaridis, Angelos Basinas, Kostas Kachuranis, Teodoros Zagoraqis, Jorgos Karagunis, Zisis Vrizas, Angelos Aristeas Coach: Oto Rehagel
Lini një Përgjigje