Portugal in embarrassing home defeat to albania

LISBON — A spectacular volley by Bekim Balaj saw minnows Albania beat Portugal 1-0 in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier and hand the Portuguese one of their most embarrassing international defeats.

It was Portugal’s first competitive loss at home since Denmark beat them six years ago, and was the last thing coach Paulo Bento needed, after clinging to his job despite his side’s dismal World Cup display, when they went out in the group stages.

Missing Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal were again lacklustre in attack, suggesting there is no plan B in the absence of the Real Madrid forward.

Albania, who have never qualified for a major tournament, defended with five across the back and another four in front of that. It was certainly not sophisticated, but it was too much for Portugal’s unimaginative midfield and attack to break down.

In Dortmund, world champions Germany looked unconvincing in beating Scotland 2-1 in their opening qualifier. Thomas Muller scored both goals, but midfielder Marco Reus, who missed the World Cup win with an ankle injury, turned the same ankle.

Coach Joachim Loew hoped it will not be serious.“Initial diagnosis suggests it may not be as bad as before the World Cup ... We will have to wait for more checks,” he said.

Elsewhere, lowly Northern Ireland scored a first away win since 2010, in a vital 2-1 victory over Hungary. Trailing with ten minutes to play, Niall McGinn and Kyle Lafferty both scored to give Northern Ireland their first away win in 18 matches.

Gibraltar had a rough entry to competitive European football, going down 7-0 to Poland.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski scored four to make it an unhappy debut for the Gibraltar team, which is comprised of mostly amateurs, including a fireman and an accountant. AGENCIEs