Albania were cruelly eliminated from Euro 2016 on the final day of group play, as results did not go their way to qualify as one of the best third-placed finishers. Here's an assessment of their campaign in France and where the national team goes from here.
At a glance
Albania leave France with heads held high after earning the country's first-ever win at a major international competition.
Highlight
Armando Sadiku became the first player to score for his country at an international competition when straining every tendon in his neck to nod Ledian Memushaj's cross into an empty net. The goal sparked widespread celebrations in Albania that continued deep into the night following the match.
The dying minutes of the match against Romania were undoubtedly the highlight of Albania's tournament, as many of the fans in attendance urged their side to hold on in with every ounce of their being.
In a tournament mired with crowd violence and pyrotechnic violations, the Albanian support should also be commended. The Albanian supporters, known as the Tifozat Kuq e Zi, were irreproachable throughout the campaign, animating each of the cities they graced with patriotic song and dance.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama echoed that sentiment on Monday: "I don't think it's only the team who has done us proud -- the supporters have done too. When you read the headlines in the French newspapers saying 'God bless Albania' and 'Albania, you're always welcome back,' it means a lot."
Low point
Albania came into the tournament with the sixth youngest squad. Their players boasted an average of 23 caps, the third-least in France. A cool and uneventful beginning to the tournament was, therefore, very much necessary to ensure progression later on in the tournament.
It is especially disappointing that two of this side's low points came from their two biggest stars. Etrit Berisha did his defence no favours by flapping at a corner kick against Switzerland.
But if Berisha's mishap was a letdown, then Lorik Cana's exclusion was a veritable catastrophe. The former Marseille destroyer is, by far, the Eagles' most experienced player and he was sent off for two ill-advised fouls against Switzerland.
Make no doubt about it: Cana is a legend in his country, and were it not for his efforts, Albania would not have participated in this year's European championships. But two mental lapses may have very well quashed his team's chances of advancing.
Star man
It may be harsh not naming Armando Sadiku the star man for his goal and tireless efforts leading a frontline that managed just one goal, but that is a testament to just how good Elseid Hysaj played in each of the three matches that he was Albania's best player.
The Napoli full-back is by no means an unknown commodity, having played 37 matches for the Neapolitans, missing just one match through suspension. Hysaj was a weapon from defence, playing as many through balls per match as Andres Iniesta, Aaron Ramsey, and David Silva; with only Toni Kroos more proficient than the 22 year-old in that category.
Hysaj also showed a degree of maturity after his captain Cana was dismissed versus Switzerland. The former Empoli man took the armband and helped his side mount an improbable offensive attack that nearly resulted in an equaliser.
Though it was his first appearance on such a daunting stage, Hysaj conducted himself impeccably -- Albania have a star on their hands for the long-term future.
Lessons learned
Albania only managed 28 shots on target during qualifying, far fewer than any other side that made it out to the Euro. Attacking struggles were on display against Switzerland in the opening fixture as Sadiku was often isolated.
Coach Gianni de Biasi deserves credit for making the adjustment and playing Memushaj in the last two matches of the group stage. If Albania are to set up conservatively, they will need a midfielder that can score goals and is willing to join attacks with delayed runs into the box. So from a footballing perspective, the inclusion of Memushaj in Albania's midfield was one of the most insightful takeaways from the tournament.
A lesson, perhaps confirmed instead of learned, is that Albania's policy of recruitment has been an unmitigated success. This side was assembled from the corners of Europe and that strength in unity must continue to be this side's forte as local football slowly but surely improves.