Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Oct 11, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Albania Albania
1-1
Denmark

Lenjani (38')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Vibe (81')

HT Report

Match Report

Football

Half-Time Report: Ermir Lenjani gives Albania shock lead against Denmark

By Chris O'Keefe, Reporter

Published: October 11 2014 | 20:39

Last updated: October 13 2014 | 01:34

Ermir Lenjani scores to give Albania a slender half-time advantage over Denmark in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Tirana.

Ermir Lenjani has given Albania a surprise 1-0 half-time lead over Denmark after the Scandinavians wasted several chances to score before the break in Tirana.

Albania's Ermir Lenjani and Ansi Agolli celebrate after scoring during the Euro 2016 qualifying round football match between Albania and Denmark at the Elbasan Arena Stadium, on October 11, 2014 © Getty Images

The Danes, searching for a second win of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after beating Armenia in their opening game, were almost ahead early on when Simon Kjaer's header from Michael Krohn-Dehli's cross was saved by Etrit Berisha.

Morten Olsen's side had further chances to edge in front with both Christian Eriksen and Yussuf Poulsen missing the target for the visitors.

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Eriksen then set up another opportunity for Kjaer, but this time the central defender was unable to test the Albanian keeper.

The hosts then had their first opening when Andi Lila met Lenjani's cross, only to see his header drift over Kasper Schmeichel's goal.

Albania looked a greater threat as the half progressed and Taulant Xhaka was denied by the Leicester City stopper, who needed to make a solid save to keep Denmark level.

The home side were to grab a half-time lead, though, as Lenjani rounded off a fast counter-attack on 38 minutes with a long-range shot that Schmeichel was unable to keep out.