Sukaj spurs on Albania

Xheyahir Sukaj scored a hat-trick to lead Albania to a 5-0 victory against the Faroe Islands and keep their faint hopes of qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship alive.

Sukaj opener
Albania had defeated the Faroe Islands 1-0 at home in June, and they were soon on their way to victory again in Toftir when Sukaj opened the scoring with 25 minutes played. The visiting side enjoyed plenty of possession and made it count after the restart with three goals in quick succession. Sukaj struck his second on 48 minutes, Arbbr Abilaliaj added the third four minutes after that before Sukaj completed his hat-trick with the pick of his three goals on 57 minutes, a stunning 30-metre rising drive.

Deserved fifth
The Faroe Islands rarely threatened their opponents' goal in contrast to Albania who pushed to the end and added a deserved fifth through Germard Progmi with five minutes to play. The result leaves Albania fourth in Group 1, level on ten points with Greece who they meet in Athens on Wednesday.