While Albania qualified for Euro 2016 and have been on an upward curve for some time, earning a spot at Euro 2024 was not expected with Czech Republic and Poland in their group.
That particularly rings true when they lost 1-0 to the latter in their opening fixture, but a seven-game undefeated streak has remarkably led to qualification with a match to spare.
Wins and clean sheets over Poland and Czech Republic in September and October proved to be decisive, leaving a 1-1 draw in Moldova on Friday enough to seal a top-two place.
Conceding in the 87th minute took nothing away from their achievement, Sylvinho and his squad simply delighted to return to the big stage.
Nevertheless, they will now be determined to confirm first place and ensure a better seeding, potentially aiding their cause in Germany as they bid to show that they will not just be there to make up the numbers.
Despite avoiding the big names when the draw was made, it has proven to be an arduous qualifying period for Faroe Islands, whose solitary point came on matchday one versus Moldova.
Since them, six successive defeats have been posted, scoring just one goal in the process, taking away the momentum that had been generated from their respectable UEFA Nations League campaign beforehand.
Hakan Ericson will want to end the nation's fixtures for 2023 on a high, and they can take positives from only losing 1-0 away to Czech Republic in their most recent competitive match.
