Albania and Serbia end match goalless

(Patria) - The long-awaited qualifying match between Serbia and Albania ended in a 0-0 draw, but it was far from lacking excitement.

Serbia was expectedly met with a not-so-friendly atmosphere at Air Albania. This was clear even before the start when the anthem Bože pravde was loudly booed.

Referee Davide Massa had to stop the game on several occasions because Serbian players were being hit from the stands, but a definitive stoppage did not occur.

It should be noted that the players of both teams were maximally correct towards each other, and the tension and sparks were not to the extent that might have been expected.

The visitors started the match slightly better, Živković threatened, however, the hosts' net remained untouched.

This was followed mostly by a period of equal play without major excitement until the end of the first half when the Albanians were awarded a penalty.

Samardžić was the one who fouled Hysaj, and Minaj took responsibility for the penalty and missed, or rather, Petrović saved it excellently.

As the end of the match approached, both teams took fewer and fewer risks. The Serbs seemed slightly more ambitious, but they did not find a way to the net.

The Albanians will surely have something to regret due to the missed penalty.

This result certainly suits England the most, which has further solidified its first position, and it is already clear that Albania and Serbia are left to fight for second place.