FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Albania will play one of the most important matches in its football history at the end of March. The red and black national team will face Poland in the World Cup Play-Off stage and, in case of victory, will secure passage to the decisive final for a ticket to the World Cup.
According to the established formula, if Albania beats Poland on March 26, it will face the winner of the Ukraine-Sweden match on March 31. Both matches will take place at 20:45 and will be away matches for the Rossoneri.
Difficult organization and open scenarios for the final
Preparations for these challenges have begun weeks ago by the technical staff and the Albanian Football Federation. In addition to the sporting aspect, the organization appears complex, as both matches will be played abroad and the final venue remains unclear.
If the opponent is Sweden, the match is expected to take place in Stockholm. If they face Ukraine, the match will be played in Spain, as Ukraine does not hold matches on its territory due to the war with Russia.
Even in the event of elimination, Albania will play a friendly match with the loser of the Ukraine-Sweden match, which further adds to the organizational difficulties, given that accommodation and flights for the team must be secured within a few hours.
Possible additions to Silvinho's list
In the run-up to these matches, changes are expected in coach Silvinjo's roster. According to media reports, defenders Stavro Pilo and Bujar Pllana are close to obtaining the necessary documentation to represent Albania.
Stavro Pilo, known in Greece as Stavros Pilios, plays for AEK in the Greek championship and has been a regular starter. He is originally from Finiqi, Delvina and has publicly expressed his desire to wear the red and black jersey. Pilo plays as a left back.
Bujar Pllana, who has previously represented Kosovo U19 and U21, is active in the Polish championship with Legia Gdansk. He plays as a center back, but can also cover the right wing of defense. Both players are waiting to be provided with Albanian passports, a procedure that is expected to be officialized in the coming days.
Publication of the list and collection
The first match against Poland will be played on March 26, while the list of players selected is expected to be published on March 20 or 21. The official gathering will begin on the Monday after the list is announced, with the first training session at the "House of Football" on March 23.
Most of the training sessions will take place in Tirana, while the last training session will be held in Warsaw, the day before the match with Poland. The trip will be made by charter plane.
The possibility of absences in the first sessions cannot be ruled out, as some players will be committed to their clubs until the weekend.
A step away from history
If Albania manages to win both of their play-off matches, they will secure their first ever World Cup qualification. The Reds secured their place in this stage after a strong performance in the group, where they finished second behind England, ahead of Serbia.
The free draw for the final did not prove favorable for Albania, which will once again play away.
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