Schlager and Lang's duel saves keep Austria unbeaten in Nations League

Austria's national side remained unbeaten on Sonntag as the 1‑1 draw with Kosovo in Prishtina failed to impress, yet goalkeeper Alexander Schlager and "joker" Christoph Lang earned the highest Leistung, keeping the team off a losing Platz.

In the fourth Nations League encounter, the ÖFB side held their unbeaten run intact, matching their record from the previous three fixtures. The match took place in Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, and was the latest test in the competition's group stage.

Despite the favourable result, the performance was far from a sparkling display. Austria slipped behind in the 70th minute, and only the interventions of the Schlager‑Lang duo prevented a defeat, a fact reflected in the post‑match ratings.

Schlager and Lang keep Austria afloat

Alexander Schlager produced a series of crucial interventions, starting with a 42nd‑minute foot‑save at the edge of the penalty area against Murigi. After the break he denied a Zhegrova strike and promptly positioned himself for a Hodza header, though he could not influence the equaliser. Christoph Lang, deployed as the team's joker, provided the creative spark that complemented Schlager's heroics.

Defensive and midfield contributions

The right‑back delivered a strong cross in the tenth minute, creating a chance that Posch could have turned into a more dangerous header. Defensively the player held his own, offering a solid, if unremarkable, performance.

Danso returned to the starting line‑up after serving a yellow‑card suspension, displaying composure in the first half before wobbling slightly after the interval. His exceptionally long throw subsequently set up the equalising goal.

Benjamin Bacher made his debut as the 29th player under coach Ralf Rangnick. He began cautiously, avoiding errors, before venturing forward on set‑pieces where his height proved useful. While solid before half‑time, he later showed weaknesses in duels and positional play.

David Laimer operated as left‑back and captain, initially restrained by the pace of Edon Zhegrova. In the closing stages he shifted into midfield, where he performed more effectively.

Leandro Seiwald started despite recent mixed displays but struggled to win duels and was substituted in the 77th minute. Meanwhile, Florian Wimmer provided bright moments on the right wing before also leaving the field in the 62nd minute. Julian Schmid, positioned as the attacking midfielder, found the role difficult and managed few passes, suggesting a wider use of the flanks would suit him better.

Markus Prass, after a strong showing against Ireland, started the match on the left wing. He produced a promising solo run, appealed for a penalty that was not awarded, and later tested Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Saipi with a long‑range effort. His overall performance was passable, and he too was substituted in the 62nd minute.