Luxembourg beat Albania for first win

A tremendous Aurélien Joachim finish saw Luxembourg win their first game in UEFA EURO 2012 Group D, with Albania coming unstuck in the closing stages.

Gilles Bettmer put Luxembourg ahead midway through the first half and they looked to be on course for an easy three points following Ansi Agolli's dismissal early in the second period. Erjon Bogdani struck back for Albania, though, before Joachim's strike – and a red card for Bogdani – put an end to Josip Kuže's side's challenge.

Jonathan Joubert saved from Albania's Ervin Skela early on, and Mario Mutsch tested visiting goalkeeper Saimir Ujkani before his corner eluded Ante Bukvic only for Bettmer to steal in and open the scoring on 27 minutes. Lars Gerson might have doubled that lead on 50 minutes, but could not find a way past Ujkani from close range.

Agolli's red card changed the complexion of the game but Bogdani equalised on 64 minutes, finishing after Joubert could not hold a Skela shot. Joachim stole the show, though, chesting down Bettmer's ball before unleashing a delicious shot. Bogdani departed five minutes from the end after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

Luxembourg's campaign ends in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 7 October, when Albania visit France, ahead of a final home game against Romania four days later.