FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Albania remains the only team in UEFA's play-offs route B to have never participated in a World Cup finals. The Reds face a historic opportunity, but the road to the 2026 World Cup is fraught with challenges.
According to the match schedule, the team led by coach Sylvinho must first defeat Poland in the semi-finals. If they achieve this objective, Albania will face the winner of the Ukraine-Sweden match in the final, to secure a ticket to the biggest tournament in world football.
In an interview with FIFA, national team goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha stressed the importance of such a qualification. He said that participation in the World Cup would bring immense enthusiasm not only within the country, but also to the millions of Albanians living abroad.
Strakosha, born in Athens and raised in Italy, has had experience at the highest levels of European football. He has played in important UEFA Champions League matches with Lazio and has been part of Brentford in the Premier League. However, according to him, these experiences do not compare to the excitement of representing Albania at a major tournament such as EURO 2024.
Speaking about the possibility of a historic qualification, the red and black goalkeeper is optimistic and excited. He imagines Albania in Group F of the World Cup, facing teams like Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan, a scenario that, according to him, would be the realization of a great national dream.
Below is the full interview with the AEK Athens goalkeeper.
- This semi-final against Poland could be the first step towards making your dream come true. What are you thinking now?
To be honest, I was very excited even before this match approached. For us it is not just a semi-final, it is like a final. It is a very big match, as we have the opportunity to make history for Albania and for the entire nation. Playing for our country in a World Cup, especially in America, where so many Albanians live, would be a dream not only for me, but for everyone involved.
- Between Poland, Sweden and Ukraine, you are the only team in your path that has never participated in a World Cup. Will the fact that you enter as an "outsider" make it easier mentally?
To be honest, yes, we are the “outsiders” and history proves that. However, we believe we have what it takes. It is no coincidence that we have reached this far. We deserve to be here. We are fully aware that Poland, compared to us, is ranked higher, but it is expected to be a competitive match. For us it is like a final, just like it is for them.
- Poland has a quality striker like Robert Lewandowski and a team full of talent. How do you plan to disrupt his plans?
They are one of the most organized teams we have faced in recent years. They have top-level players, Lewandowski is the first name that comes to mind, as well as Piotr Zielinski, for whom I have a lot of respect. In my opinion, the Poles are one of the best second-tier national teams, not far from big teams like France, Italy and Spain. We are lucky to have a striker with great potential like Armando Broja. If he manages to play regularly, about 30-40 games a season, he can move to another level. We really need players of this caliber, who can change the fate of a match.
- Your campaign at EURO 2024 showed that you can face anyone. What did you learn from that experience?
I was very happy to have the opportunity to play against such strong teams; I wanted to see where we stood. We thought we would be inferior, but in the end we gave as much as we got. We could have gotten a win against Croatia. It was an extraordinary experience, one of the most exciting I have had in my career.
- Sylvinho has been in charge of Albania since 2023. How would you summarize his strengths and in what directions has the team improved?
He has taught us to believe in ourselves more, while staying grounded. We know we could have done better in some games, but he has given us a lot of confidence and motivated us ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. We have made great strides since he has been in charge. He has brought real stability to the team. We don't have much time together during the year in the national team, so it is essential to have a strong base. Today we are a more united group and we know what we are capable of.
- Like many of your teammates, you were born abroad. What does it mean to you to represent your country?
It is a great source of pride. We grew up with respect and love for our roots and heritage. Even if you were born or raised abroad, the connection remains strong. It is a great honor to play for Albania. I have never had any doubts, even though I could have played for Greece. My parents have always taught me to respect everyone, but also to have a deep love for my country. I am grateful to Albania for everything it has given me and it has never crossed my mind to play for another national team.
- Can you imagine the scenes in Tirana and throughout Albania if you qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
I can't even imagine what it would be like. The European Championship was incredible, but a World Cup, especially in North America, would be something else. It would be a celebration for Albanians all over the world. I don't want to think about it yet, not even the group stage. Now we have to focus on the match against Poland.
Lini një Përgjigje