Bajrami scored a goal in the 23rd second of the match against Italy/photo from Bajrami's Instagram
Albania set a new European Championship record. Her. managed to score a goal 23 seconds into the first half against tournament hosts Italy in Dortmund.
In front of a raucous crowd consisting mostly of Albanian fans, left back Federico Dimarco's careless throw into his own penalty area allowed Nedim Bayrami to enter the game.And he fired high into the net past a stranded Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The goal further enlivened the already raucous crowd and soon smoke could be seen billowing from the end where most of the Albanian fans were. although red-shirted fans were scattered throughout the stands.
Bayrami's goal beat the previous fastest goal at the European Championships, scored by Russia's Dmitry Kirichenko against Greece in the 67th second of the group stage match in 2004.
However, Albania did not have to hold on to their lead for long, 10 minutes after Lorenzo Pellegrini's pass, Alessandro Bastoni headed home the equaliser.
Posted by UEFA EURO 2024
It was better for Italy, who took the lead five minutes later when Nicolo Barella headed in from the penalty area in what was a great start to the game.
Sassuolo midfielder Bajrami, like many Albanian players, is playing for his club in Italy and it added an element of rivalry to the big match of the group stage.
Note that the match ended 2-1 in favor of Italy. Albania were unable to equalise.
There was a heavy police presence in Dortmund before the game, as well as a police helicopter circling overhead, but the game started without any problems as the fans mingled happily.