ÖFB women display mentality after narrow away win in Prishtina

On Friday, the Austrian women's national team won the away match in Pristina 2:1 against Kosovo, after coming back from an early 0‑1 deficit with a goal from Louise Schöffel (37’) and the late strike from Nicole Billa (81’); coach Lars Söndergaard called the success an important first step towards a second play‑off round for the 2027 World Cup. The report by Jasmin Walter underscores the significance of the victory.

Early Goal and Kosovo's Response

Kosovo opened the match already in the 14th minute through Ereleta Memeti, confirming ÖFB‑coach Lars Söndergaard's warnings about the individual quality and counter‑strength of the opponents. In the Fadil Vokrri Stadium this was reinforced, as the Austrians in the following minutes gave up hardly any clear chances. Despite the early deficit the team remained calm and looked for ways to regain possession.

Louise Schöffel brought the Austrians level in the 37th minute with a precise pass from Hanshaw for the 1‑1 equaliser. The late winning goal came in the 81st minute, when Nicole Billa, after a cross from Jennifer Klein, headed the ball into the net. Billa thus celebrated her first goal since the triple‑pack against North Macedonia in September 2022.

Söndergaard's Analysis and Outlook

Söndergaard praised the mental strength of his squad and described the 2:1 as a “beautiful individual action” that marked the first step in the play‑off cycle. He emphasized that the team had remained patient and kept its composure, while also highlighting the need for a faster style of play on the better pitch in Vienna. “This victory naturally provides momentum and confidence,” added the 67‑year‑old Dane.

ÖFB women close in on World Cup ticket after convincing 4-0 win over Kosovo

After long ACL injuries, Sarah Zadrazil and Marie‑Therese Höbinger returned to the national team, both emphasizing that playing at home makes moving the ball easier. “We need to hold the positions better and create more chances,” said Billa, who has now scored 48 goals in 110 internationals, bringing her close to Nina Burger’s record of 53. Modesta Uka, who was only added to the squad late, could be in the starting XI, while Söndergaard urgently urged the team to “pay hellish attention”.

Second Play‑off Round and Upcoming Return Leg

The next step in the play is crucial for qualification. The return leg takes place on 13 October in Vienna at 18:00 and will be broadcast live on ORF 1. Should Austria win the duel, the second play‑off round will follow between 26 November and 5 December, where the winners of Austria/Kosovo will face the winners of Switzerland/Israel. Captain Sarah Puntigam emphasized that the team evaluates its performance “from game to game”.

Georg's report: World Cup for ÖFB team feels frighteningly real

The official lineup showed El Sherif in goal, while the defence consisted of Gutmann, Kirchberger‑Prohaska, Klein and others; the yellow card went to Sarah Zadrazil. On the opposite side Kosovo started with Kolgeci, Mulliqi and Memeti, who scored the early goal. With the point gained the ÖFB team now holds all the trump cards for the upcoming home match.