ELBASAN, Albania — In the end, the snipers stood down and the fans went home in silence.
Serbia had just scored its second goal, a breakaway from Adem Ljajic with virtually the last kick of the match, to seal its 2-0 victory over Albania in their 2016 European Championship qualifier. A few moments later, the Italian referee blew his whistle and the stadium announcer gave the result as if announcing the passing of a beloved pet.
In purely sporting terms, the game had meant nothing for Serbia. It had been eliminated from the competition months ago.