Briegel boost for Albania

Winning start
The former German international took over as Albania coach in December 2002 following the resignation of Italian Giuseppe Dossena and guided the team to a 3-1 win against Russia in his first game in charge. However, subsequent defeats by the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland and Georgia ended Albania's hopes of reaching UEFA EURO 2004™.

Qualifying hopes
FSF president Armando Duka said the federation hopes that Briegel will make history by becoming the first coach to lead Albania to the finals of a major tournament. The coach himself hopes that the location of the next World Cup will serve as a good omen. "As a German, I hope for better luck at the [qualification] draw ceremony in Germany," Briegel said. The draw takes place in Frankfurt on 5 December. Before then, Albania will play Portugal in a friendly on 11 October.