Albania 1-0 Luxembourg

Albania claimed top spot in Euro 2012 qualifying Group D with a narrow home win over 10-man Luxembourg.

After opening with a 1-1 draw in Romania on Friday night, the Albanians claimed their first victory of the campaign in Tirana thanks to Hamdi Salihi's strike eight minutes before half-time.

Albania could not capitalise on their extra man after Mario Mutsch was dismissed just before the hour, but they had already done enough.

The result moved Albania onto four points, ahead of Belarus on goal difference, at the pool summit.

The hosts set their stall out early and looked to dominate their visitors.

Erion Bogdani, Gjergj Muzaka and Klodian Duro each tried their luck in the first half-hour but could not find a way past visiting goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert.

Mutsch and captain Rene Peters were cautioned in the first half-hour as the visitors resorted to keeping their hosts at bay any way they could.

Luxembourg's only chance of the first half came when Daniel Da Mota's effort was blocked by Albania defender Armend Dallku.

But the deadlock was broken by the home team in the 37th minute. Ervin Bulku did well down the right and fed the ball into Salihi, who smashed a volley past a helpless Joubert.

The second half continued in much the same vein, although Luxembourg soon had to re-organise when Mutch was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Albania could not force a second goal, however, and Luxembourg rarely threatened an equaliser as they remained without a point following their opening 3-0 defeat in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.