Serbia 2-0 Win Knocks Albanian Euro 2016 Dream

The Serbian football team delivered a last-minute victory over Albania on Thursday, winning the Euro 2016 qualifier 2-0 after scoring two goals in extra time.

The game kicked off at 8.45pm local time and was hosted by Albania at the Elbasan Arena, around one hour's drive southeast of the capital city Tirana.

The winning goals were scored by Aleksandar Kolarov in the 92nd minute and Adem Ljajic in the 94th. Albania can still qualify for the Euro 2016 tournament if they at least draw with fellow group member Armenia. Serbia is already out of the qualifying group.

Security was high amid fears of widespread violence after last year's qualifying match between the two sides, held in Belgrade, had to be abandoned after fans invaded the pitch and attacked Albanian players. The clashes broke out after a drone flying the 'Greater Albania' flag was flown across the stadium.

There were no reports of any violent incidents this time round. The match attracted much media attention both within and beyond the region, with many international journalists present at the Elbasan stadium.

Both sides were keen to diffuse tensions. Even though many Albanian fans booed the Serbian anthem while it was played in the stadium, the two teams posed for a picture together.  

The Albanian captain, Lorik Cana, and his Serbian counterpart Branislav Ivanovi?, shook hands before the referee blew his whistle to start the game.

Despite rainy weather, the stadium buzzed with anticipation as each side failed to produce a single goal in 90 minutes, with Serbia then dashing Albanian hopes in extra time.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the match with his wife, the Speaker of Parliament, Ilir Meta, and his family. From...