Football is the most popular sport in Albania. It arrived in Albania at the beginning of the 20th century. Football is played by children at school and by grown-ups on the many indoor and outdoor fields located throughout the country. The sport is governed by the Football Association of Albania(Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit).
The first recorded match was between students at a Christian mission in Shkodër. Other towns and cities followed suit and on 6 June 1930 the Football Association of Albania was established. The association became a member of football's governing body FIFA in 1932, and joined the European governing body UEFA in 1954 as a founding member. After the collapse of communism in Albania, there were crucial political and economic changes that had a tremendous effect on the nation, as the centralized economy and political system came to an end. The result for the country's footballers was an opportunity to ply their trade on foreign fields. Neighbouring Greece, Italy and the Balkan countries were popular destinations for players who were good enough to go abroad.
The early years oversaw a notably successful Balkan Cup in the 1946 campaign. Albania won the cup after overcoming Yugoslavia on level points but with a better goal difference. The final match ended in a 1–0 win against Romania. Four days earlier, Albania had already beaten Bulgaria 3–1. Albania wasn't expected to participate, but the withdrawal of Greece from the tournament offered Albania a chance to join in the re-established post-war cup.[1]
In 1964, Albania competed in a Euro Cup competition and it was the only time Albania was among the best 16 teams of the continent, due to Greece forfeiting their matches and Albania being given a walkover.[2] In the round of 16 Albania lost 4–0 to Denmark in the first leg, and while they won the second leg with 1–0 in Tirana from a goal scored in the 4th minute by Panajot Pano at the end it wasn't enough, to pass in to the quarterfinals.[3] At the end of the tournament Albania ranked 9th in Europe, their best result so far in their Football history as an Nation.[4][5][6]
Leading up to the UEFA Euro 2016, Albania beat Armenia, Serbia, and Portugal[7] then one-time world championsFrance in the "Group I" friendly match.[8] Despite losing two matches in a row. Albania at the end defeated Armenia 3–0 in Yerevan and qualified for UEFA Euro 2016,[9] its second appearance at a major men's football tournament after 50 years.[10] This earned the team the Honor of Nation Order from Albania's President Bujar Nishani.[11] After the Serbia–Albania match, the national team of Albania was given awards of honor and city recognition by the cities of Tirana, Vlore, Kamëz, and Bajram Curri.[12] However, the team finished last among the third-placed teams and didn't progress beyond the group stage.[13]
2020-21 Successful UEFA Nations League C campaign
In 2020, Albania won a group for the first time by finishing first in group 4 of UEFA Nations League C. Albania also won a spot for the play-offs of the 2022 World Cup and was promoted in UEFA Nations League B.
Albania women's national football team
The women's national team was formed in 2011. The women's highest FIFA World Ranking was 40th in April 2015. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 was the first time Albania entered a senior competitive tournament. Albania secured a top-two finish on the final day of 2015 FIFA World Cup preliminary round mini-tournament to earn a slot in the qualifying group stage.
Volleyball
Albania has a long tradition in volleyball as it is the second-most successful club sport in Albania after football. Especially the Albanian female national team have an strong reputation in this sport. The women of Dinamo Tirana reached the final of the CEV Women's Champions League twice in their history, in 1979–80 and 1989–90. Finishing twice as the third best Team in Europe. Still to this day the biggest Sport achievement any Albanian club would reach , in any sports so far in their history.
Albania women's gold medal win in Volleyball at the 1987 Mediterranean Games in Syria
The Albanian women's would face in their Group Italy, Greece and Turkey.Winning all of their Groupstages matches, losing only one sets each against Italy 3-1 and against Greece winning them with 3-1 and showing their class at this Tournament. Albania would beat in their final Groupstage match the women's from Turkey to qualify for the first semifinals in their first ever participation at this Tournament. In the semifinals the Albanian women's would face Libanon. They show a strong performance and would beat the opposition deservedly with an 3-0 set to qualify for their first and only final in a international Volleyball Tournament as an National Volleyball team.
In the finals the Albania women's national volleyball team would face Syria. Despite the pressure they would dominate the opposition throughout this game , letting syria no chance and would win once again to clinch their first Titel at this competition. It is for the Albanian women's national team their first and only International Tournament they would win in their history. Winning all of their 5 matches in the process aswell. [15]
Medalists in Volleyball at the Mediterranean Games in 1987 Syria
Albania women's close success at the 1991 Mediterranean Games in Greece Volleyball
The Albania women's national volleyball team participated in Volleyball at the 1991 Mediterranean Games Tournament in Greece. In Group A the women's would face France , Spain and Greece aswell.
In the first match as the reigning champion at this tournament Albania would face France. Albania starting bad at this game and loss the first set with 0-1 but despite the bad start. The Albanian women's would come back stronger and eventually would win this match with an 3-1 set win at this start. The Albanian women's would face Spain in the second match in this Group. The women's from Albania would dominate the opposition letting no chance to compete at this match and would win with an 3-0 set at the end. In their last match they would face in this Group the host's from Greece. In the start the Albanian women's would surprise the home side being able to be 0-1 up in the start. The women's from greece were able to respond and would bring the result at 1-1 after a close set. Despite that the Champions would show their class and would once again be at the lead. But despite all of that the women's from Greece would win their next two sets to win at home in the end with 3:2. Albania women's first loss after seven consecutive wins at the
Mediterranean Games respectively. Albania would finish Group A in the first place.
In the semifinals the Albanian's would face the Turkey women's national volleyball team for the finals. Throughout this match Albania were close in all of their sets in thus game. Despite all of that at the end they would loss with 3-0 at the end also miss out on their second final in a row aswell in their campaign. In the semifinals they would face then like they did before the Greece women's national volleyball team for the third place matches. The host wouldnt let Albania any chances and would beat Albania with 3-0 aswell. The Albania women's national volleyball team would finish this tournament at the forth place in the end. [17]
Recent success at the 2018 Women's European Volleyball League in the silver league
The Albania national team participated in the 2018 Women's European Volleyball League. They were shorted in Pool B of the silver league along with Austria, Israel and Georgia. Albania started with a 3–0 win versus Georgia on 20 May 2018.[18] Later on 2 June, Albania defeated Austria 3–2 after a long fierce game, in which they lost the first two sets, before winning the next two; the match went to the final set where Albania won 15–11.[19] Four days later, the team clinched a spot in the semi-final by winning 3–0 versus Georgia.[20][21]
Albania lost 0–3 to Sweden in the semi-final, before defeating Estonia in the 3rd place match, winning an unforeseen bronze medal.[22]
Albania men's national volleyball team
Albania men's national volleyball team in their history competed in many European or World Volleyball championship's. Still to this day the Albanian men's couldn't achieve any gold medal win's throughout their campaign they competed in.
The Albanian men's national Volleyball team would also compete for one time in FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in 1962 aswell, in their Volleyball history.
In group A they would face France, Finnland and the Soviet Union. Albania would loss their first two matches against France and the Soviet Union with 3-0 respectively but they, could win their first ever match at a Men's European Volleyball Championship against Finnland with 3-1 at the end. Albania would finish this group in the third place.
In the Groupstage for the 9-14 places Albania would face in their Group Egypt,Italy,Belgium, Austria and Finnland. Despite an unlucky loss against in Finnland with 3-2. The Albania men's national volleyball team were able to beat their next three opponents. Egypt and Austria with 3-0 set win's and against Belgium with a 3:2 win at the end. Showing some good performances in their first ever campaign aswell. In the final Match of this Tournanment Albania had to face Italy. Despite an close fought match Albania would loss the chance to finish this tournament at the 9th place. At the end Albania ranked 10th in this Tournament.[27]
In Group D Albania had to face the Soviet Union, Austria, Turkey and Yugoslavia respectively. Albania would start well beating in their first match Austria with a well deserved 3:0 set win at the start of this Tournament. Despite the great start Albania were then unable to convert it into the next matches. Albania would loss their next four matches in Group D. Against Turkey, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia at the end all with 3-0 at the end. Albania would ranked 4th out off five places.
Albania would then face in the Groupstage for the 9-16 place stage. East Germany , Turkey, Italy also Finland, Tunisia , Egypt and Netherlands respectively. Albania would face in the first two matches Tunisia and Turkey. In which Albania were successful beating both of them with a strong performance 3-1 at the end. Albania would continue their form in this Groupstage 9-16 places. They would face in Match three and four Egypt and Finnland. In both matches they were showing good performances winning against Egypt with an 3:0 set win, against Finnland with 3:1 their 4th win in a row in this tournament. Albania would then face East Germany in the 5th round. Albania would loss for the first time in this Group with 3-0. Despite the loss Albania would then could beat the Netherlands in a close match with 3-2 their fifth win in this Groupstage and their 5th win in total at this Tournament. Albania's 6th win in total at this Tournament. In their final Match for the 10th place Albania had to face Italy. Albania would struggle throughout this Match and would loss it with 3-0 at the end to finish their campaign in the 11th place at the end off this Tournament.[28]
In Group D Albania would face Poland,West Germany, Bulgaria and Romania. Albania would face in the first match Romania. But they would loss this Volleyball match with 3-0 in the process. In the next game Albania would face Bulgaria but they would fear better and had a better performance, despite losing with 3-1 at the end. Albania would face in the third match Poland. Albania had no chances and would loss 3-0 again. In the final match Albania would face West Germany and this time around Albania were able to perform and would outperform Germany at then end comfortably with 3:0 Albania would also qualify again for the Groupstage 9-16 places aswell.
In this Group Albania would face France,Belgium,Sweden, Israel, Turkey, Bulgaria and the Netherlands aswell. Albania would face in the first Match France. They would loss this match with 3-1 at the end. Albanian would face in the second match of this stage Belgium. They wouldn't perform no way better and would loss heavily with 3-0 at the end. Despite an bad start to this round Albania would improve at this Tournament. Winning three matches in a row. First against Turkey with 3-1 then they would beat Sweden in a strong with 3-0 showing a good match for the first time in this Tournament. Albania would face in the 6th round the Netherlands. In a close fought match they could secure another win with a 3-2 set win aswell. In their lash match in the Men's European Volleyball Championship they would face Israel. At the end they couldn't beat the opposition and would loss with 3-0 at the end.
To finish this Tournament in the 13th place at the end. [29]
Albania competed in European championships at EuroBasket 1947 in Prague, Czechoslovakia,[30] and at EuroBasket 1957 in Sofia, Bulgaria.[31] Their best finish came in their first edition were Albania would finish it in the 14th place, their best ever result so far in European Basketball.
EuroBasket 1947
Albania first competed in a European championship at EuroBasket 1947 held in Prague, Czechoslovakia, shortly after joining FIBA as an affiliate national team. In the preliminary round of the competition Albania was placed in Group D with Italy, Belgium and Egypt, and their first game in a major tournament came against Italy in a 15–60 loss, and they went on to lose 11–114 and 19–104 to Belgium and Egypt, respectively. In the next round, they were placed in the lower bracket Group 3 to determine who finishes between the 7th and 10th places, where they faced Romania and Austria. Albania lost 19–73 to Romania and 27–44 to Austria. They then went on to face Yugoslavia in the final game to determine who finishes in penultimate place, where they lost 13–90 to Yugoslavia and finished in last place out of 14 teams, with a record of 0 wins and 6 losses. Albania averaged just 17.3 points per game, with their highest point tally coming against Austria where they scored 27 points, and lost by their smallest margin of 17 points. They conceded an average of 80.3 points per game, with their highest scoring opponents being Belgium who defeated Albania 114–11.[32][33]
10 years after their debut tournament performance, Albania competed at EuroBasket 1957 in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they were placed in Group A in the preliminary round with Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Scotland. They lost 57–89 to Yugoslavia in their opening game, and then went on to lose 37–71 and 42–65 to Czechoslovakia and Scotland, respectively, to finish bottom of the group. During the classification round, Albania faced Turkey, Italy, Finland, Belgium, West Germany, Austria and Scotland. Albania lost all 7 games in the classification round which led to them finishing bottom of another EuroBasket tournament, this time out of 16 team. Albania averaged 47.6 points per game, with their highest points tally coming against Turkey in a 64–97 loss, which was also the highest scoring game for their opponents, and conceded an average of 78.4 points per game during the tournament. Despite better performances than those in 1947, they could not manage to escape finish bottom once again. [34][35]
Albania's close qualifying for the Eurobasket 1975 in Yugoslavia
Albania men's national basketball team near latest success in Basketball, came in the Qualfiying stage for the Eurobasket 1975 Championship in Yugoslavia.
Albania faced in Group C. Poland, Greece, Sweden, Iceland and Luxemburg. In which Albania came close to qualify but missing it out as they would finish in Group C in the third place.
In the first match Albania had to face Greece. Despite an strong performance in the first half with 40-34. Albania couldn't keep up in the second half and would loss this match with 84-57 in the process. In the next match they had to face Poland. In a close faught match they would loss eventually with 98-88. Albania despite their two losses were capable to compete in this Group. As they would face in the third Match Luxemburg. Albania show a strong performance and beat deservedly with 95-71. In the next coming matches Albania would show their class they had in this time. They would beat in the 4th Match in Group C Island with an record win of 112-77 it was their best ever performance , they did as an Basketball national Team. In the final match they would face Sweden. It was a tough match because both teams faught for the Qualification for the next Round. But for the third time in a row Albania would win a match in this Qualifying stage. Their one and only time they did as an Basketball National Team to win three matches in a row. They would defeat Sweden with 71-82. Albania would finish this Qualifying campaign in the third place missing out slightly for their "third" Eurobasket appearance , in their Basketball history. [36]
Albania at the 1992 Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament in Spain
The Albanian men national basketball team would compete once in the 1992 Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament in Group B were they had a chance to qualify for the Basketball at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Albania wouldn't Qualify for the Olympic Games. Albania were also able to compete at times against one of the best teams in Europe, such as France or Italy. They would finish at the end in the 6th place. It is their best result so far in this competition.
In Group B Albania would face tough opponents such as France,Italy also Switzerland then Israel, Latvia and Poland. Albania competed in this Competition for the first and only time in their Basketball History.
In the first Match they had to face France but despite an reasonable first half with 54-36 at the end their were without a chance in this Match and would loss it with 108-67 at the end. As they faced in the second match of this Group Latvia this time Albania show some improvements in their performance. They were especially in the first half competitive against their opponent with 40-44 at halftime but at the end would loss eventually with 78-94. Showing some progress in this Tournament. In the next match they would face Italy. Despite being the underdog Albania once again impressed, being able to score good points and play throughout this match an good game. At halftime they were just six points behind with an result of 31-36 in the process. Even tho Albania couldn't surprise Italy they show still an good performance despite their loss with 73-87 at the end. Albania then had to face Switzerland. In the first half Albania played an beautiful Match, being able to dominate the opposition. Their form were high up since they improved in their last two matches. Showing their strongest performance so far. At halftime Albania were 35-44 up respectively. In the second half Switzerland were coming back and would put pressure towards Albania but, it was to late Albania at the end would win in a close fight with 84-85. Their first and only win in the Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament, so far in their histoy. Albania would then face Poland. Especially in the first half Albania weren't able to compete against their opponent, they improved a bit in the second half but would loss at the end with 61-93, it was a match to forget for the Albanians. In their sixth and last match in this campaign. They would face Israel but in this Match Albania were without any chances. In their poorest performance in this Tournament they would loss with 116-64. At the end Albania would finish this Group above Switzerland in the 6th place out of seven. And were able to be around the 21th best nation in Europe at the end. [37]
Final standings in Group B at the Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament in 1992
Albania would compete twice for the Mediterranean Games in Greece 1991 and in Basketball at the 2009 Mediterranean Games in Italy. Were they had the best result so far, in reaching the Quarterfinals and finishing this Tournament with an 6th place finish.
They faced in Group B - Italy,Turkey and Montenegro.
Albania would loss all of their Matches in this Group. finishing this Groupstage on the last place.
In the Quarterfinals Albania would face title favourites Croatia. Against the eventual title winners they showed an improvement in their performance but would loss eventually with 70-94 respectively.
Albania had to then face in the semifinal for the fifth place Serbia. Albania from the beginning were the better squad showing a strong performance in this Match. They impressed throughout this game and would win it with 69-83 respectively and would progress to the finals in the fifth place match. It would be their first win in this competition.
In the finals of the fifth place Albania would face Morocco in the finals for fifth place, losing this match with 108-67. Despite all of that it would be Albania's most recent participation in a Olympic competition to this date.
At the end Albania would finish this tournament with a sixth place finish, their best result so far in this competition. It is Albania's latest participation in Basketball at the Mediterranean Games.
Ranking for the Basketball at the 2009 Mediterranean Games
In the 1972–73 FIBA European Champions Cup BC Partizani Tirana faced Jeunesse Sportivo Alep from Syria, who withdrew yet again, allowing BC Partizani Tirana to progress to the round of 16 for the first time in their history. They then faced Crvena zvezda from Yugoslavia, losing both games.[43] The 1973–74 FIBA European Champions Cup campaign saw even bigger success for BC Partizani Tirana, who faced Csepel SC in Hungary. Despite an unlucky 57–58 loss away, at home the Albanian side won a FIBA European Champions Cup match for the first time, 78–71, to progress yet again in the round of 16 for the third year running. There, Partizani Tirana faced Wienerberger from Austria. They proved for the first time to be competitive in such a high stage, winning with 72–71 at home, their first ever win in the Round of sixteen in Europe. But in the second leg in Wien they missed their chance to qualify for the quarterfinals, losing 78–68.[44]
In the 1974–75 FIBA European Champions Cup Partizani Tirana played Sparta Bertrange away in Luxemburg, and won comfortably with 103-89, for their first away win in a FIBA Cup competition. At home in Tirana they beat the opposition deservedly with 90-70, resulting in an impressive aggregate score of 193–159 in the process. In the round of sixteen Partizani Tirana had to face Bulgarian side BC Balkan Botevgrad,but withdrew before the first leg and forfeited their two matches, losing the chance to qualify for the next round as well.[45]
1978–82: The start of an golden era for BC Partizani Tirana in Europe
After some years where BC Partizani Tirana did not participate in the FIBA European Champions Cup, they returned in the 1978–79 FIBA European Champions Cup, competing for the first time in the quarterfinals. In Group E they faced KK Bosna Royal, BC Brno and AEL Limassol B.C. as their opponents. In the first match they had to face at home BC Brno, Partizani beating them comfortably with 100–79 showing a strong display against an tough opponent. In the next match they faced group favourites KK Bosna Royal away in Sarajevo. Partizani lost the match 64–99. In the third match of the quarterfinals they faced AEL Limassol at home. They beat them with an impressive result of 151–58 at the process being its highest win in this competition. As the second half of the tournament progressed Partizani Tirana faced BC Brno away. It was the most important match for Partizani do to keeping their chances a live for qualifying into the semifinals. At the start of this match Partizani could keep up against their opponents, scoring decent points and keeping the result close. At the halftime they were just four points behind, with the score at 41–46. In the second half Partizani couldn't compete with the same energy as they did in the first half and lost the match 104–83 and in the process their chance to qualify for the semifinals. In the fith group Match in the Quarterfinals Partizani meet KK Bosna Royal at home. It was a close match where Partizani hold a strong display and were able to be competitive yet again showing progress especially at home. Scoring decent point and being at times also up. At halftime the score was (36-39) in this Match. Despite all of their encouragement throughout the match Partizani Tirana, weren't able to change the result in their favour and would eventually loss with an results of 78-76 against the eventual winners at this tournament and were able to compete against the best teams is a notable fact. As they faced in their last Quarterfinal group stage match AEL Limassol B.C in which Partizani Tirana once again impressed in their performance , they beat the opponent deservedly at home with 100-55 and finishing their campaign in the third place in Group E. With three wins and three loses but for the first time they were able to perform consistently, and compete against the best basketball clubs in Europe at that time, and were able to achieve great success that year, caming close to qualify for the Semifinal group stage aswell. [46]
BC Partizani Tirana's historic result in the 1979–80 FIBA European Champions Cup
In the first match they had to travel away to face Partizan first. In the first two quarters Partizani Tirana didn't look to back being able to compete at times against the opposition being at halftime 54-39 but despite all of that at the end they lost the match with 115-82 in the process. In the next Match they faced Budapesti Honvéd SE at home. It was right at the beginning a tough match since both teams were fighting for the win. Partizani still kept their cool and were able to at least hold on the lead, by scoring points in their given chances. At halftime the score was 45-44 for the home side. Even though the match was close in the second half Partizani Tirana then scored some beautiful points and played as a team really nice Basketball, to then deservedly beat the opposition with 91-85 respectively. In the third match out of their six matches they faced away in Aleppo Al-Ittihad SC Aleppo. Even tho they were the weakest opponent in this group. They show some good results so far. In this match they were pretty even with Partizani Tirana but the red bulls would shows again their character and strength, scoring beautiful points to. At halftime the score was 44-44 a draw for both teams. In the second half of the game BC Partizani Tirana were improving in their performance and would dominate the game at the end winning comfortably with 81-92 away from home. In the fourth round of the Quarterfinals they would face at home KK Partizan in the Asllan Rusi Sports Palace stadium in Tirana. Partizani Tirana would this time show one of their strongest performances in Europe so far in their club history. In the first two quarters they would play Partizan Belgrad of the park and score good points. They play as a squad really impressive against an strong opponent at that time, being able to convert their chances and defend attacks from their star players, in this match. At halftime the score was 54-40 for Partizani. Things changed in the next two quarters since Partizan try to close the gap and result as well. Partizani Tirana had a difficult time since they could not pass the defense of the opposition but could score at least one or two chances to not lose the advantage, they created in the first place. BC Partizani Tirana would stand the pressure and would win the Match with 101-98 in the process. For the first time in their club history they would win three matches in a row in the Quarterfinals. Being able to beat all of their opponents in such a stage to, showing once again their strength and passion for this Sport. In the next match the Red Bulls would travel to Budapest facing Budapesti Honvéd SE away from home. This match was an important one for Partizani! since with a win they could keep their chance to qualify for the Semifinals. But despite all of that Partizani would not be able to make a good performance in the match itself. The first two quarters, they wasn't able to compete against the opposition, making to many mistakes throughout the game. It was a match to forget for the Albanians. At halftime they score was 58-39. In the second half they improve in their performance but at the end it wasn't good enough to change the result. Losing at the end 106-92 and also the chance to qualify for the semifinals. In the last match of the Quarterfinals, they would face at home Aleppo Al-Ittihad SC. They would dominate the opposition and once again impressed as a team. Playing an beautiful display in the first-half of this match. Scoring good points and playing strong as a team. At halftime the result was 51-38 for BC Partizani Tirana. Even tho in the last two quarters they lost a bit of concentration they still would win this match with 105-93. Their fourth win in their 1979–80 FIBA European Champions Cup campaign. Still to this day the best ever result for an Albanian Basketball team in Europe. Partizani finish this Quarterfinal Group stage in the second position. For the first and only time in their history. Being the only Albanian Basketball club to achieve such a feet and coming close to qualify for the Semifinals. In the highest competition in European Basketball.[47]
BC Partizani Tirana's following season's in the Quarterfinals at the FIBA European Cup's 1980-82
BC Partizani Tirana would face a period with ups and down at this time. In which they still achieve some success, even not like they did in the previous two seasons in the FIBA European Champions Cup in 1978-79 and 1979-80 when they came close to qualify for the Semifinals in this competition.
In the following season at the 1980–81 FIBA European Champions Cup Partizani Tirana would face in Group D in the Quarterfinals Virtus Bologna, BC CSKA Sofia and Eczacıbaşı S.K. (men's basketball) aswell.
In the first match they had to face the Favorites in this Group Virtus Bologna at home. Partizani started the first half really impressive against a strong side, being able to score points and were at times even up on points, and also able to play well. At halftime the score were 46-47 for Virtus Bologna. Despite all of that in the second half of the Match the opposition were to strong and Partizani would loss the first match in the Quarterfinals with 79-97. In the Next match they once again play at home this time around they faced BC CSKA Sofia. Right from the start it was a close match between the two, with Sofia starting the match a bit better. They were able to surprise at the start of the match Partizani scoring points in their given chance. They were up the score at halftime with 46-51 respectable. But once again Partizani showing their strong performance at Home. Being able to change things around scoring good points and were able to match the opposition. Winning this match close at the end with 89-83 in the process. In the next Match they faced Eczacıbaşı S.K away. In the first half Partizani once again were really competitive at this scoring good points and were able to compete against the opponent. As a team they did their best and were only one point apart with the result being 43-42 for Eczacıbaşı S.K. As the match progress Partizani couldn't hold on and would loss this match with 96-88.
BC Partizani Tirana would face in their fourth match, in the Quarterfinals Virtus Bologna away from home. The match was less successful for the Albanians being from the beginning, uncompetitive for the opposition. Partizani were not able to compete in this game and were 62-29 down at halftime. At the end they would loss this match with 112-67. In the next match they faced away in SofiaBC CSKA Sofia. The match was in the first half off the game really close Partizani were able to score good points and played at first really well, being only one point down at halftime with 49-48. But things were different for Partizani as they faced a difficult time, because BC CSKA Sofia were stronger in the second half and losing 110-91 at the end. In their last match they faced at home Eczacıbaşı S.K. This time around Partizani Tirana were able to show once again their good performance in Europe especially at home. In this match they were the better side being able to score good points as well and playing nice basketball too. At halftime the result was 44-40 for the home side. And they would keep their form also in the second half of the game dominating the opposition and would win the Match with 85-81 at the end. Although Partizani Tirana would finish last in the Group, they were quite close in performance to BC CSKA Sofia and Eczacıbaşı S.K but their poor away record let them down. But despite it was their third participation out of their fifth they had in the Quarterfinals as well. Being the only Albanian Basketball Club in Europe to be able to beat many European basketball clubs, at such a high level, with the resources they had back then. [48][49]
It was the first time in a while that BC Partizani Tirana struggled in a European competition. They would loss all off their Matches in this Campaign. Away from
home they faced Pallacanestro Cantù even they playef an strong performance in the first half with 45-38 and were able to compete against the opposition, but weren't able to hold on and would loss this match with 82-54. In the next Match they faced at home UBSC Wien in Tirana. Partizani Tirana were showing strength especially in the first half being able to show a good team performance and were able to play good Basketball in this Match the Halftime score was 47-41 for Partizani. But things would change against Partizani since UBSC Wien would tactically beat the Red Bulls on this match. they weren't able to hold on from the first half performance they had and would loss the match eventually with 79-88. Partizani Tirana would face Pallacanestro Cantù at home. This time around Partizani Tirana would show an strong performance against an strong opponent. As a team they show character and passion, being able to score points and keep the result close in this match, showing once again that regardless of the situation they faced nobody were safe at home in Europe. At halftime the score was 51-59 for Cantù. In the Second half of this Match Partizani trough everything in to it and try their best to beat the opposition. They were the better squad throughout the Match. But at the end they would loss against the future 1981–82 FIBA European Champions Cup with 96-102 at the end. In the fourth and the last match in the Quarterfinals in Group B they had to face UBSC Wien away in Wien. It was a close match between the two sides. Both fighted for the win throughout the match, but Partizani had the better start being able to use in the first two quarters their chances and would lead at haltime with 44-48 away. In the seconhalf Partizani would face a harder task, since UBSC were able to chance once again their performance and were much diffrent in the second half of this match. It was a close match both teams were leading at times. The albanians show right to the end character and fought for it until the end. Despite an strong performance away from home they would loss with 84-83 once again. At the end Partizani Tirana would finish this Group in the third place. For the first time since the 1969–70 FIBA European Champions Cup campaign, they weren't able to win any matches in a European Basketball competition. It would be their fourth Quarterfinal appearance at this point. For the albanian side. [51][52]
BC Partizani Tirana's ups and downs in the FIBA European Champions Cup's of 1983-89
BC Partizani Tirana would faced an tough period as the competition would change over the years. Despite the down's they had as a Team, they still showed some expressive results over the years in European's highest Basketball competition the FIBA European Champions Cup. It would be still their latest success in Europe.
In the 1982–83 FIBA European Champions Cup Partizani had to face Budapesti Honvéd SE in the first round in two legs. At home they show an impressive performance and would beat Honvéd with 90-81 proving once again how strong they were at home. But despite all of that the Red Bulls would loss away in Budapest with 90-64 and couldn't progress to the next round, in this competition. [53][54]
In the 1983–84 FIBA European Champions Cup Partizani would face in the first round BK Inter Bratislava. Partizani first leg was at home. The match itself was close but Partizani were the better side throughout the match. Especially in the first half dominating the opposition with the result of 47-31 at halftime. In the second half of this match Partizani lost a bit of his lead but they still would win with 89-80 , showing again that they were a strong basketball club in Europe. Partizani then had to travel to Bratislava for the final leg of the first round. Despite the pressure, this time around partizani would stand the pressure, and would perform away from home showing in a tough fought match a good performance andwin at the end deservedly with 83-91. They qualified for the fifth time, in their history for the Quarterfinals. It was also their first away win in the FIBA European Champions Cup since their 1979–80 FIBA European Champions Cup campaign. And their latest quarterfinal appearance since their 1981-82 FIBA European Champions Cup aswell.
Albania Women's basketball National Team
Albania women's national basketball team are quite successful in European Basketball. Being successful at the Mediterranean Games a international sport's competition they would win successfully in 1987 at the finals against the women's from Turkey, in their first ever appearance aswell.
Their biggest success came in their first ever appearance in Basketball at the 1987 Mediterranean Games in Latakia in which they would beat the Turkey women's national basketball team in the finals to win this Competition, in their first ever appearance as well. It is their one and only international competition they won, in their history. Despite that it is the biggest success for Albania in International or European Basketball.
The Albanian women's would compete in two competitions such as the International Mediterranean Games in which , they qualify three times for Basketball at the Mediterranean Games first in Basketball at the 1987 Mediterranean Games in Latakia , Syria. Then in 1991 in Athen, Greece and recently in 2009 in Pescara, Italy. The Albanian women's would also compete at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries three times aswell in their history first in 1996. Winning this Tournament in 2002 against Iceland in the finals.
The Albanian women's national basketball team are the most successful National team in Albania at Basketball winning two gold medals in European and International competitions in fact. First in 1987 and in 2002 aswell. They would win also win two silver medals aswell , at the Small countries tournament first in 1996 and lately in 2008 aswell. They won four medals in their successful Basketball history.[55][56]
Medalists in Basketball for the 1987 Mediterranean Games
In the next two appearances the Albanian women couldn't repeat the success they had in their first campaign. In their next campaign in Basketball at the 1991 Mediterranean Games in Greece. The Albanian women's werent able to repeat their success and finish 5th at the end. Behind Spain, France and Greece.[57]
The Albanian women's would lately compete for the Basketball at the 2009 Mediterranean Games in Italy. In Group A they would face Croatia and Italy. The Albanian women's were this time without any chances losing both matches heavily in the process. Albania would then receive a bye in the Semifinals for the 5th place bracket, do to the competition having only 7 nations participated for it. It would be their final Appearance in any International competition to this day so far for the Albanian women's national basketball team.
The Albania womens would then face in the Finals for the finals the females from Turkey. This time around they couldn't beat the opposition like they did previously in their winning campaign. They would loss despite an improved performance at the end with 60-89. Finishing their third and final appearance in the Mediterranean Games at the 6th place out of seven nations. [58]
Albania women's national basketball team successful campaign's at the Small countries championships from 1996 - 2008
The Albanian women's would also participate three times in the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries first in 1996 and for the latest participation in Luxemburg 2008 aswell. Showing in all of the three tournaments they participated some good results. In their first participation in the Small Countries championship in Malta 1996 the Albanian womens would loss in the finals against Iceland with an result of 81–73 at the end.
Albania then once again competed in this Competition in Andorra 2002 this time around the Albanian women's took revenge on Iceland and would win this competition for the first time with an impressive display , they could beat them with an result of 84–79 in the process. It was for the Albanian womens their second gold medal in any European or World Basketball competition in their history. Winning all of their five matches in their campaign. Still their latest titel win in their Basketball history. In their third and final campaign in the Small Countries Championship in 2008 Luxemburg edition. For the third time straight they would reach the finals in this competition but will loss at the finals against Malta with 61-81 missing out on their second titel at this tournament. [59][60][61]
The final for the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries in Valetta 1996
Iceland 81 - 73 Albania
For the Albanian women's national Basketball team their first final since 9 years and it is their first medal won , since 9 years aswell. Winning at the end the silver medal in the process.
Final for the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries in Andorra 2002
Albania 84–79 Iceland
For the Albanian women's national Basketball team their first gold medal in this competition. Their second final against the Iceland women's national basketball team aswell. It would be their first gold medal since 15 years after their win at the 1987 Mediterranean Games in Syria. It is for the Albanian women's their last gold medal they won at this Sport in fact.
The final for the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries in Luxemburg 2008
Malta 81 - 61 Albania
Despite the loss against the Malta women's national basketball team Albania would win silver once again. The Albanian women's would reach in all off their three appearances the final at this tournament. After six years off wait. They won their third and final medal at this competition. One gold and two silver medals at the end. It would be until this day their last final they would participate as an Basketball National team in their history.
Albanian result's at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries
Year
Pos
Pld
W
L
1996
2nd
5
4
1
2002
1st
4
4
0
2008
2nd
5
3
2
Total
14
11
3
Albania's ranking in the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries
The Albanian womens being once again the 5th most successful nation at this Tournament, overtaking in the table successful nations at this sport such as Turkey, also Denmark or Macedonia aswell.
Weightlifting is one of the most successful individual sports for the Albanians, with the national team winning medals at the European Weightlifting Championships and other international competitions. Albanian weightlifters have won a total of 16 medals at the European Championships with 1 of them being gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze. In the World Weightlifting Championships, the Albanian weightlifting team has won in 1972 a gold, in 2002 a silver and in 2011 bronze medal. At the Mediterranean Games, the nation has won 5 gold, 9 silver and 10 bronze medals.
Albania
Turkey
Italy
Greece
Syria
Lebanon
