Kosovo pushes, but Austria holds onto the lead in the Nations League

On Sunday, the Austrian national football team defended its top spot in Prishtina in the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League Group B3, by taking the lead after a goalless first half thanks to a 70th‑minute goal from “Joker” Fisnik Asllani and later securing the 1‑1 equaliser with a header from Christoph Lang at the finish.

First Half: Kosovo Pushes for the Lead

Kosovo emerged from the dressing room after the break more energetic and already created the leading goal in the 70th minute, when Asllani received the ball in the penalty area and low‑crossed it into the left corner. Three minutes later Milot Rashica only hit the post, while goalkeeper Alexander Schlager saved the follow‑up. The first half was largely uneventful, with the 13,000 spectators in the sold‑out Fadil‑Vokrri Stadium seeing only a few clear chances.

Before the match, coach Ralf Rangnick criticised the pitch in Prishtina, calling it “at best a meadow, if not even a field”, after which he adjusted his tactics. In midfield, Felix Bacher started as a new centre‑back, while Alexander Prass and Konrad Laimer were among the six changes compared to the 2‑2 against Ireland. The lineup also featured Romano Schmid in the number ten role, Laimer on the left side of defence and Prass directly in front of the goalkeeper, supported by Edon Zhegrova, who later provided the build‑up for Asllani.

Second Half: Austria Saves the Point

After Asllani’s equaliser, Kosovo continued to press, but a long throw‑in from Kevin Danso initially found the head of Sasa Kalajdzic, who played the ball back into the field. Four minutes after the equaliser, Christoph Lang took advantage of the extended set‑piece position, jumped and headed the ball into the net, securing the crucial point for the ÖFB team at the finish – his first goal for Austria in only his second international match.

Veldin Hodza tried shortly after the break to score with a long shot, but was caught offside. Four minutes later Schlager saved a Hodza header, before the game continued to be shaped by set‑piece situations. After the 85th‑minute goal, Austria held onto the lead until the final whistle, with the overall tempo of the match remaining moderate.

The next Group B3 match between Ireland and Israel kicks off at 20:45, while Austria will host Ireland in Linz on 14 November and face Israel at the alternate stadium in Debrecen on 17 November – both fixtures will be broadcast live on ORF 1. This keeps the ÖFB team in November as the table‑leaders, positioned to continue dominating the group.

The Fadil‑Vokrri Stadium was completely sold out with 13,000 spectators, underscoring the significance of the fourth Nations League match. The official match officials were led by SR Nobre from Portugal.

No yellow cards were issued, only coach Franco Foda was warned, while the line‑ups of both teams were adjusted several times during the match. Austria’s starting eleven consisted of Alexander Schlager in goal, a defensive line with Posch, Bacher, Danso and Laimer, as well as midfield and attack with Seiwald, X. Schlager, Wimmer, Schmid, Prass and Gregoritsch.