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Albania finish on a high

Albania 3-1 Georgia Albania end their campaign unbeaten at home as Georgia's hopes are dashed.

Albania gained revenge for Saturday's 3-0 loss to Georgia by defeating them 3-1 tonight to end the visitors' qualification hopes.

Close affair
The first half was a close affair, with both sides having chances to take the lead. Albania's supporters urged their side on, but Georgia defended well and looked to build from the back.

Demetradze dismissed
The second half was a different story however. The sending-off of Georgia's Georgi Demetradze on 54 minutes seemed to demoralise the visitors and they never looked in the game afterwards.

Albania reward
Albania responded by attacking and were soon rewarded for their efforts. Besnik Hasi opened the scoring and striker Igli Tare doubled the lead. Alban Bushi then put the result beyond doubt, before Rangers FC striker Shota Arveladze scored a consolation goal.

Shkembi praised
After the 3-0 defeat in Tblisi on Saturday, it was a morale-boosting win for Albania coach Hans-Peter Briegel, whose team end their impressive campaign with eight points, having been unbeaten at home after winning against Russia along with Georgia and holding the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland.

Tribute to team
"The beginning was a very good one from us but I should stress that we lacked the final ball," he said after the game. "The team expressed itself well after the loss in Georgia and Blendi Shkembi played the general's role in midfield. He performed very well and he is the one who will take the lead of the team."

Russian trip
Georgia, who have seven points, visit Russia on 11 October needing a draw to avoid finishing bottom of the group.