Kosovo surprises with an exciting victory over Slovakia in the World Cup qualifying stage.

Kosovo is one step away from realizing a lifelong dream as it approaches qualification for its first FIFA World Cup. With an impressive 4-3 victory over Slovakia, the Kosovo national team eliminated the hosts in Bratislava and is now preparing for a decisive clash against Turkey in the playoff final, scheduled for next Tuesday. This match was a true emotional rollercoaster and a football spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Slovakia team, led by Francesco Calzona, took to the field with confidence, coming off four consecutive home victories, including a notable 2-0 win over Germany in September. However, the match began with a swift blow from the hosts, who scored the first goal just six minutes into the game. Lukas Haraslin, with a masterful free kick, found Martin Valjent, who leaped like a salmon to head the ball into the back of the net, giving Slovakia an early lead.

Valjent, who made his first appearance for the national team since June 2022, had an exciting start to the match. However, Kosovo did not let this setback deter them and responded impressively, equalizing the score midway through the first half. Mërgim Vojvoda, with sharp vision, found Veldin Hodza at the edge of the box, who, with sublime technique, sent the ball past Martin Dubravka, securing the goal that all Kosovars had been hoping for.

Kosovo’s dominance in possession was evident, and Hodža’s goal further ignited Slovakia’s competitive spirit. First, David Hancko fired a powerful shot that was intercepted by Kosovo’s goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric. Then, Haraslin nearly scored a second with an effort that grazed the outside of the post. However, just when it seemed that the first half would end in a draw, Haraslin shone again with another spectacular free kick, which curved around the wall and found the back of the net, extending Slovakia’s lead.

The excitement of the first half was quickly followed by a vigorous response from Kosovo shortly after the break. With a precise cross from Vojvoda, Fisnik Asllani equalized, deftly redirecting the ball into the goal. From there, the Kosovar team appeared to gain confidence, and the turnaround came at just the right time when Florent Muslija, after being fouled, stepped up to take a free kick that was a true masterpiece, curling past the goalkeeper’s left side and marking just his third goal in 40 appearances for the national team.

Slovakia, now trailing, did not give up and launched an attack in search of another equalizer. Haraslin, one of the standout players of the match, nearly scored with an impressive shot that was spectacularly saved by Muric. The tension in the stadium was palpable, and the final result could not have been more dramatic.

With this thrilling victory, Kosovo continues its magical journey towards the World Cup, now focused on the battle against Turkey. Expectations are high, and the eyes of the football world are on this nation that dreams of making its mark in the history of the sport. The playoff final promises to be an electrifying clash and a new chapter in the already legendary narrative of Kosovar football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.