Rangnick wants to get a win in Pristina despite a lack of space
Austria's national team will on Sunday at 6 p.m. in Pristina finish the Nations League campaign with a win, while Kosovo relies on its home strength and the home stadium. The contrast between Austrian confidence after two wins and a draw and the critical pitch conditions in Kosovo shapes the preview.
Austria's Goal: Win in Pristina
After two wins and a draw, the Austrian eleven aims to finish the first Nations League campaign with a full success. Coach Ralf Rangnick, who stretched his thigh on Saturday, emphasizes that a win would greatly improve the league position. “If we achieve that, it also looks very good on the table,” explains midfielder Patrick Wimmer, who adds: “We will play for a win.” A win could also secure promotion, provided Ireland three hours later in the home match against Israel leaves points on the table.
Rangnick's Criticism of the Pitch
Rangnick described the turf at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium as “a field that at best is a meadow, more like a field”. Wimmer also agreed: “I haven’t played on such a meadow in a long time.” The coach announced that the match plan “will look a bit different” to compensate for the poor surface. The criticism was confirmed by Kosovo’s coach, who explained that most clubs played their international matches here in the summer and the pitch has not recovered since.
Kosovo Relies on Home Strength
Kosovo wants to preserve its chances of winning the group and relies on the home atmosphere in the stadium named after former player and association president Fadil Vokrri. The stadium holds just under 13 000 spectators; about 600 Austrian fans are expected. In the first Nations League home match against Ireland in Pristina, the Kosovar eleven under Franco Foda won 1‑0, with the Irish having only one chance on goal.
Injuries weigh on both teams: defensive leader Hajdari of Hoffenheim has already left, and top striker Vedat Muriqi is sidelined due to muscular problems. Austria rotates again: goalkeeper Alexander Schlager will be in goal, while Patrick Wimmer is expected to appear in the starting eleven for the fourth time. Wimmer emphasizes that his “batteries” are completely full.
Further player changes are expected. Xaver Schlager has so far played all three matches over 90 minutes, Kevin Danso returns from a suspension in Dublin, and Junior Adamu, who impressed in the first encounter against Kosovo, will decide in attack between Gregerl and Junior. Gregoritsch, who played only 45 minutes on Thursday, is fresh, as is Konrad Laimer. Felix Bacher has not played yet, while a 25‑year‑old French legionnaire, according to Rangnick, is well trained and could possibly make his debut.
The two teams therefore face a clear contrast: Austria must realise its winning ambitions on a poor pitch, while Kosovo relies on home support and the familiar setting. Whoever adapts better to the conditions will gain the upper hand on Sunday in Pristina.