National Team Friendly

National stadium
Spectators: 10300 (Terracing: 7725, Seating: 2369, VIP seats: 206) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Mehat Kovaçi made the kick off which started today's match. The supporters of Albania booed when Croatia was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 2 match minutes in a wonderful position. Nikola Haramina didn't get a good kick on the ball. Nebojša Jerić took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Aulin Janku, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The supporters of Albania booed when Croatia was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 6 match minutes in a wonderful position. Nikola Haramina didn't get a good kick on the ball. 9 minutes into the match, Croatia's goal looked a bit too open when Iljaz Përbindeshi came free, but Nebojša Jerić reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Marjus Laçka showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Roy Makaay, who was totally free with the ball in the 11th minute. Roy Makaay's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Marjus Laçka read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 13th minute of play. Marjus Laçka made an important save on a dangerous shot by Roy Makaay in the 17th minute. Croatia's attacker deliberately struck the ball against an opponent to win a corner for his team. The corner was taken by John Terry in the 19th minute. The corner ended in Marko Livaja almost managing to get the ball behind the net, but Albania's Marjus Laçka did a great save. Nebojša Jerić took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Mehat Kovaçi, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Roy Makaay came free with the goalkeeper in the 26th minute of the match, and shot straight on target. The shot was a little too simple and Marjus Laçka could save by the left post. Marjus Laçka made a fantastic save in the 30th minute, when Roy Makaay sent off a good shot on target. Roy Makaay received a nice pass, split the defenders, and ran untouched towards the goal. Marjus Laçka came out and tried to block the shot, but Roy Makaay slotted it home off the left post making it 1-0 in the 31st minute. 37 minutes into the match, Albania's goalkeeper Marjus Laçka had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Roy Makaay. A collision led to Albania getting a freekick after 42 minutes play. Përparim Bajraktari hit a great ball. After a defensive mix-up in Albania's zone, Roy Makaay stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Marjus Laçka came out of the goal and Roy Makaay tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. When Valter Malekin fell near the penalty area in the 46th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Croatia's protests and gave Valter Malekin a yellow card for diving instead. Valter Malekin hit a great freekick 46 minutes into the match. All the noise was coming from the home fans when the whistle went for half-time. The home team had fought hardest to put themselves in a deserved lead.

Croatia made a substitution. Nikola Vlašić replaced Marko Livaja. The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Roy Makaay to strike the kick off in the second half. An unexpectedly hard shot by Roy Makaay in the 53rd minute of play forced Albania's goalkeeper Marjus Laçka to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After 56 played minutes Albania got a freekick which was hit by Përparim Bajraktari. Roy Makaay might have been able to make a better finish in the 61st minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Marjus Laçka. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Roy Makaay ran back to his position shaking his head. Marjus Laçka took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Roy Makaay, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Marjus Laçka made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Roy Makaay in the 72nd minute of play. Croatia made a substitution. Silvio Ham replaced Luka Mata. Albania's Marjus Laçka played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Roy Makaay in the 82nd minute of play. Marjus Laçka showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Roy Makaay in the 85th minute of the match. In the 94th match minute, Albania was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Nexhat Shaho to maneuver through the defense. When John Terry came up free with the goalie in the 95th minute, the Croatia fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that John Terry couldn't finish the play. When Roy Makaay came up free with the goalie in the 98th minute, the Croatia fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Roy Makaay couldn't finish the play. The referee blew his whistle, and the match came to a close. The players exchanged shirts and headed down the tunnel. The Croatia fans cheered their team off the field, for while Albania had put up a good fight, they were unable to come out of the game with any points to show for their effort.