Austria beats Kosovo 3–1: “Dardanët” find no answer in Vienna

Kosovo suffered a 3–1 defeat to Austria at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna in their second Group B3 match of the Nations League.

The “Dardanët” enjoyed extraordinary support from the stands, where thousands of Albanian fans created a fantastic atmosphere, but Kosovo failed to reward that backing on the pitch.

Kosovo had the game’s first big chance. In the 6th minute, Vedat Muriqi found himself one-on-one with the Austrian goalkeeper, but the Kosovo striker fired over the bar.

Austria took the lead in the 23rd minute. David Affengruber scored with a header after a duel in the Kosovo box. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR and then confirmed.

The “Dardanët” tried to respond, but Austria looked more dangerous and doubled their lead at the end of the first half.

In the second minute of stoppage time, the Austrians built a quick counterattack, while Junior Adamu exploited the space created and made it 2–0.

Coach Franco Foda reacted at half-time with three substitutions. Edon Zhegrova, Milot Avdyli and Valmir Matoshi came on, replacing Ermal Krasniqi, Baton Zabërgja and Veldin Hoxha.

However, Austria also scored the third goal.

In the 61st minute, after a move in the Kosovo box and an insecure defensive intervention, Carney Chukwuemeka scored for 3–0.

In that action goalkeeper Aro Muriq was also injured and forced to leave the game. Amir Shaipi came on in his place.

Kosovo did not give up and kept looking for a goal. In the 83rd minute, Valmir Matoshi won a penalty after a foul by an Austrian player.

Edon Zhegrova took responsibility, was accurate from the spot and narrowed the score to 3–1.

In the final minutes Kosovo had more initiative but failed to create enough chances to reopen the match.

Austria closed the game with a 3–1 win and took the next three points in Group B3.

For Kosovo this was the first defeat in this edition of the Nations League, after the 1–0 win over Ireland at “Fadil Vokrri”.

In this international window, Kosovo also faced several important absences. Albian Hajdari missed out through injury, while Florent Muslija and Elvis Rexhbeçaj were also out of the squad.

However, there is no time to dwell on this defeat. The “Dardanët” will immediately have the chance to respond. On Thursday, Kosovo faces Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, and then, on October 4, at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium they will host Austria again.