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COME ON AL-BABE-IA

Albania fans win hearts during agonising Group A defeat to France that puts them on the brink of Euro 2016 exit

Colourful supporters made a lot of noise at the Stade Velodrome as hosts overcome stubborn defence to win 2-0

Albania fans

ALBANIA are on the brink of going home from Euro 2016 - but we want them to stay.

The lowest ranked team entering the competition, that Giani De Biasi's team have even been competitive is a minor miracle in itself.

 

Two Albanian supporters ahead of the 2-0 defeat to France on Wednesday night
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Two Albanian supporters ahead of the 2-0 defeat to France on Wednesday nightCredit: AP:Associated Press
The two supporters catch themselves on the big screen at the Velodrome
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The two supporters catch themselves on the big screen at the VelodromeCredit: AP:Associated Press
A supporter with the Albanian flag in Marseille
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A supporter with the Albanian flag in MarseilleCredit: EPA
Two supporters are delighted as the action takes place
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Two supporters are delighted as the action takes placeCredit: Getty Images
A group of fans make the Albanian eagle symbol
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A group of fans make the Albanian eagle symbolCredit: AP:Associated Press
A supporter cheers ahead of kick-off against France
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A supporter cheers ahead of kick-off against FranceCredit: Getty Images

Albania overcame incredible odds to reach France as a No 5 seed in qualification.

The incredible support from their fans has also been a sight to behold - as you can see in the pictures.

They qualified ahead of Euro regulars Denmark and Serbia, even beating Portugal and Serbia away from home in an incredible campaign.

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Two Albanian fans make the eagle symbol
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Two Albanian fans make the eagle symbolCredit: Getty Images
Two fans watch the action unfold
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Two fans watch the action unfoldCredit: Getty Images

 

A fan kisses his girlfriend
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A fan kisses his girlfriendCredit: AP:Associated Press
An Albanian fan ahead of kick-off
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An Albanian fan ahead of kick-offCredit: AP:Associated Press
A young supporter wears traditional dress
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A young supporter wears traditional dressCredit: EPA

A whopping 12 of their players are from Albanian descent but born outside of the EU and in two matches so far at the competition they have been more than the sum of their parts.

They may lack quality in the final third, but they are extremely stubborn defensively, holding Switzerland to just one goal.

An Albanian fan shows his loyalty
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An Albanian fan shows his loyaltyCredit: Getty Images
Supporters made a huge amount of noise in the Velodrome
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Supporters made a huge amount of noise in the VelodromeCredit: EPA
Albanian fans wear the traditional qeleshe hat
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Albanian fans wear the traditional qeleshe hatCredit: Getty Images
A fan reacts after watching Antoine Griezmann score a late goal
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A fan reacts after watching Antoine Griezmann score a late goalCredit: Getty Images

Against hosts France, pre-tournament favourites remember, they held out for 90 minutes before substitute Antoine Griezmann took advantage of tired legs and Dimitri Payet scored another late goal.

Albania must beat Romania in their final group game on Sunday to have any chance of qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams.

We're behind you!

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