The Albanian U-17 national football team wrapped up the first round of Group 3 matches in the European Championship Qualifiers "Albania 2025" with a hard-fought victory against the Faroe Islands. In a match held at the "Egnatia Arena," Albania triumphed 1-0, with the only goal of the game coming from their standout forward, Gabriel Kulla.
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| Gabriel Kulla while celebrating the goal with his Albanian U-17 teammates |
Albania’s Journey in the Qualifiers
The match against the Faroe Islands was crucial for Albania after a mixed start in the qualifiers. The team had previously drawn with Croatia and suffered a heavy defeat against the Netherlands. However, this victory allowed the Albanian side to end the first round on a high note. Kulla, a key player for the U-17 squad, has consistently proven to be a vital asset, scoring crucial goals throughout the campaign.
A Masterful Goal by Gabriel Kulla
Albania dominated the first half of the match but struggled to break down the defense of the Faroe Islands. Despite creating several opportunities, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. It wasn’t until the 57th minute that the deadlock was finally broken. Gabriel Kulla delivered a stunning free-kick, giving Albania the lead and ultimately securing the victory. His precise strike from the set-piece showcased his technical skill and composure under pressure.
The Albanian team continued to press forward, creating more chances to extend their lead, but the match ended 1-0 in favor of the home side. This result not only boosted morale but also demonstrated the team's ability to perform in crucial moments.
Group 3 Standings and Next Steps
Albania's performance in Group 3 of the European Championship U-17 Qualifiers included a win, a draw, and a loss. The opening match saw a solid 1-1 draw against Croatia, followed by a difficult 0-5 defeat to a powerful Netherlands team. The 1-0 win over the Faroe Islands gave Albania a much-needed three points to finish the round.
The other results in the group saw Croatia defeat the Faroe Islands 7-0 and secure a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Dutch team showcased their strength with a 6-0 win against the Faroe Islands, further highlighting the competitive nature of Group 3.
Looking Ahead: Albania Set to Host the U-17 European Championship
Albania will have the honor of hosting the final tournament of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May 2025. As the host nation, Albania is already qualified for the finals, making these qualifiers an important opportunity to build team chemistry and gain competitive experience ahead of the tournament. The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), in collaboration with UEFA, will oversee the event, marking a historic moment for Albanian football.
With talents like Gabriel Kulla leading the charge, Albania’s U-17 team has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming championship. Kulla’s consistent performances and goal-scoring ability have been a major highlight, and fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop leading up to the finals in 2025.
Final Group 3 Results – Round 1 of the U-17 European Championship 2025
Albania 1-1 Croatia
Netherlands 6-0 Faroe Islands
Albania 0-5 Netherlands
Croatia 7-0 Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands 0-1 Albania
Croatia 3-1 Netherlands
With one round complete, Albania will continue to prepare for their role as host nation in what promises to be an exciting tournament in 2025.