Looking to capitalize

Albania looks to follow upset of Greece with strong effort versus Georgia

Qualifying previews Europe • Poland vs. England • Bosnia vs. Spain • Faroe Islands vs. France • Israel vs. Cyprus • Netherlands vs. Czech Republic • Greece vs. Turkey • Scotland vs. Slovenia • Albania vs. Georgia CONCACAF • Roundup • Panama vs. U.S. Asia • Roundup Friendly • Germany vs. Brazil

TIRANA (Reuters) -- Albania coach Hans-Peter Briegel says a point would be enough against Georgia on Wednesday after his side shocked European champion Greece 2-1 in the first of its World Cup qualifiers.

Albania is the early Group Two leader with three points after being the only team to win its weekend match.

"I had planned for us to have collected four points in the first two matches so I am happy to get one point in Tbilisi," Briegel told reporters after the Greece game in Tirana.

The German said he was worried his team raised their game against bigger opponents like the Euro 2004 winners and would not play as well in Georgia.

Albania has still not lost at home since Briegel took over as coach almost two years ago. However, its away record is not so good and the last time it played in Georgia, in a Euro 2004 qualifier a year ago, it lost 3-0.

"We have never had a positive result in Georgia and this shows with how much responsibility we should be playing this match," said striker Igli Tare.

Striker Alban Bushaj said: "It is a difficult match because the Georgians are better (than Greece) technically and we shall not be playing with long passes as we did against Greece.

"We have little time to adapt," he added.

Briegel's side will wear black armbands on Wednesday after an Albanian man was stabbed to death during clashes between Greek and Albanian fans following Saturday's game.

"I wish we had lost so this (the death) could not have happened," said Briegel.

The German has called up midfielder Blendi Shkembi and striker Edmond Kapllani to the squad after midfielder Klodian Duro sustained a knee injury and is likely to miss the match.

Midfielder Altin Lala and striker Florian Myrtaj are expected to play despite suffering muscular problems in Saturday's game.

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