Kosovo Edges Ireland
Vedat Muriqi Scores Late Winner as Kosovo Defeats Ireland in Nations League Opener
Anonymous
Key Points
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Kosovo outshot Ireland 22-3 and put eight efforts on target, compared with Ireland’s three, underlining the hosts’ statistical dominance.
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Ireland fielded a back five, with Dara O’Shea—usually a centre-half—on the right; the article says the setup struggled and Ireland lacked its usual defensive solidity without Nathan Collins and Séamus Coleman.
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Ireland’s next two Nations League fixtures against Israel were scheduled for Hungary on Sunday and, a week later, at a neutral venue in Serbia, with the latter match to be played behind closed doors.
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Kosovo’s captaincy had recently changed: Amir Rrahmani retired from international football amid a poor relationship with the federation’s leadership, and coach Franco Foda named Muriqi as his replacement.
Ireland's Nations League campaign got off to a tough start in Pristina as Kosovo claimed a 1-0 victory in their first-ever senior meeting. Bet365 reported that Vedat Muriqi's late header sealed the win for the hosts, who dominated the match from start to finish. Ireland's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher kept the score level for much of the evening, but the visitors could not find an equalizer.
The statistical gap between the teams was stark. Bet365 noted Kosovo outshot Ireland 22-3, with eight efforts on target compared to Ireland's three. Ireland fielded a defensive back five but struggled without key defenders like Nathan Collins and captain Séamus Coleman, leaving the team exposed during stretches of the second half.
Kosovo's Control and Late Breakthrough
Kosovo controlled most of the match and created far more dangerous chances than their Irish opponents. The hosts pressed high and won possession in dangerous areas. Muriqi's late header broke the deadlock and secured three points for Franco Foda's side in their opening Nations League fixture.
Ireland's Defensive Struggles Without Key Players
Belfast Telegraph reported that Ireland looked vulnerable in a back-five formation, with Dara O'Shea shifted to the right side of defense. The absence of Nathan Collins and Séamus Coleman left gaps in the team's usual defensive shape. Goalkeeper Kelleher made several saves and goal-line interventions to keep the score level until Kosovo's late breakthrough.
Ireland's attacking play never developed momentum. The team managed just three shots and could not test Kosovo's defense consistently. This marked a disappointing opening for manager Heimir Hallgrímsson's squad in their Nations League group.
Israel Matches Add Uncertainty to Window
Ireland's next two Nations League matches against Israel are scheduled for coming days but will take place away from Dublin. Impartial Reporter noted one fixture will be held in Hungary while the other, a week later, will be played at a neutral venue in Serbia behind closed doors. The unusual arrangements reflect controversy surrounding the fixtures.
Muriqi Takes Over as Kosovo's New Captain
Vedat Muriqi's match-winning header came after coach Franco Foda named him as Kosovo's new captain. The position opened when Amir Rrahmani retired from international football following tensions with the federation's leadership. Muriqi's goal demonstrated his importance to Kosovo's future plans on the international stage.
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