Kosovo stands just one win away from qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup after a stunning 4-3 victory against Slovakia in Bratislava. This thrilling win eliminates the hosts and sets up a play-off final against Turkey.
Kosovo stun Slovakia 4-? in World Cup qualifier
Slovakia Strikes First in Explosive Opening
Slovakia, under Francesco Calzona, entered the match unbeaten in their previous four home games, including a 2-0 win over Germany in September. The hosts wasted no time, scoring after just six minutes. Lukas Haraslin’s perfectly curled free-kick found Martin Valjent, who leaped high to head the ball past Arijanet Muric.
Valjent’s first cap since June 2022 began perfectly, but Kosovo quickly responded. Midway through the first half, Mërgim Vojvoda picked out Veldin Hodza on the edge of the box. Hodza showcased brilliant technique to sweep the equalizer past Martin Dubravka.
Back-and-Forth First Half Drama
Kosovo dominated possession and deserved their goal, but it ignited Slovakia’s fightback. David Hancko fired a powerful strike straight at Muric on the half-hour mark. Moments later, Haraslin’s curling effort clipped the outside of the post.
Just before halftime, Haraslin delivered again with another stunning free-kick that evaded defenders and beat Muric, restoring Slovakia’s lead.
Kosovo’s Second-Half Comeback Seals Victory
The drama resumed immediately after the break. Fisnik Asllani glanced Vojvoda’s teasing cross into the net to level the score once more.
Franco Foda’s Kosovo side took control and struck on the hour mark. Florent Muslija won a free-kick on the edge of the box and curled an unstoppable shot into the left post—only his third goal in 40 caps.
Slovakia pushed hard for an equalizer, with Haraslin’s stunning strike tipped away by Muric. But Kosovo countered lethally as Kreshnik Hajrizi pounced on a loose ball in the box and slammed it home.
In the nervy added time, David Strelec deflected Hancko’s effort into the net for Slovakia, but Kosovo held firm to secure the win.
What’s Next for Kosovo and Slovakia
This victory keeps Kosovo’s dream alive for World Cup qualification. Slovakia’s 16-year absence from the tournament, since their last appearance in 2010, continues.
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