Albania coach Sylvinho eyes Euro qualification after dream start

Sylvinho has taken Albania by storm since becoming national team manager in a shock move in January and the former Arsenal and Barcelona defender will be aiming to guide them closer to a place at Euro 2024 when they host Czech Republic on Thursday.

The Eagles have been one of the biggest surprises of the qualifiers and lead Group E with 10 points from five games, ahead of the Czechs who have eight from four, after a statement 2-0 win over Robert Lewandowski's Poland in September.

The Poles are struggling down in fourth on six points, two points behind Moldova and the Czechs with three games left. Only the top two qualify automatically for the finals in Germany.

Albania's victory ended a streak of eight consecutive losses against Poland and turned Sylvinho into the man of the hour in Albania as soccer fever swept the country ahead of their crunch match against the Czechs in the battle for top spot.

The 21,000 tickets were sold-out within a few hours for the clash at the Air Albania stadium in the capital Tirana.

"We have three finals ahead of us and we need to face each one with the same attitude we had so far. It all starts on Thursday," Sylvinho told Reuters.

After facing the Czech Republic, Albania finish their group games away to Moldova and at home to bottom side the Faroe Islands, who have one point from their five matches.

"We're aware of the enthusiasm of our supporters but the players know that's the external scenario, something we can't control. They are absolutely calm and conscious," he added.

"A win on Thursday would be a major step towards our long-awaited qualification. It is extremely important, but it is still not determinant."

Since Sylvinho's debut in a hard-fought 1-0 loss away to Poland in March, Albania