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Yasir Asani registered name Asani, a foreign striker of Gwangju FC in the professional soccer K League 1, scored the winning goal and presented his country Albania with a UEFA Nations League victory.
Albania came from behind to win 2-1 against Ukraine in the first Group B match of the UEFA Nations League Group B in Prague, Czech Republic on the 7th.
Albania, which gave full-back Uheem Konoplya the first goal in the fourth minute of the second half, balanced the game with center back Ardyan Ismaili's equalizer in five minutes.
Asani, who started as a right-handed striker in a tight 1-1 situation, stepped up as a troubleshooter.
In the 21st minute of the second half, he calmly kicked the cutback delivered by striker Ray Manai from the left side of the penalty box with his left foot to lead the turnaround.
Asani, who played full-time, took the lead in Albania's attack by recording three key passes that led to scoring opportunities in addition to goals.
Asani, who joined Gwangju FC last season and scored seven goals in 33 league games, has two goals in seven games this season.
Asani was also responsible for Albania's side attack at the Euro 2024 (European Championship) held from June to July. In the second group match against Croatia, he also scored an assist with an accurate cross in the 11th minute of the first half.
Albania, led by Asani, has secured three points from the first match of its group league. The team that ranks first in each group of League B will be promoted to League A.
Germany, which competes in Group 3 of League A, defeated Hungary 5-0 at home from the first game.
Striker Niklas Fülkruk scored the first goal for Germany under Julian Nagelsmann.
In the 27th minute of the first half, Kim Min-jae and German Mussiala, who play together for Bayern Munich (Germany), kicked the pass handed over from the gate and shook the net.
In the 12th minute of the second half, Musiala even scored a goal himself after running behind the opponent in a counterattack.
In the 21st minute of the second half, Florian Birz, who received a pass from Musiala, made it 3-0 with his right foot near the corner of the penalty box.
Musiala also delivered a pass that led to Aleksandar Pavlovic's fourth goal in the 32nd minute of the second half.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Kai Havertz succeeded in a penalty kick himself to complete Germany's goal feast.
Not only Germany but also other European powerhouses sounded the winning note side by side.
The Netherlands, which competes with Germany in Group 3, also scored 28 shots to win 5-2 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
England, which is seeking promotion to League A, also defeated Ireland 2-0 and collected three points from the first Group B match.