Kosovo Stuns Slovakia 4-3, Closes in on World Cup History
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| Kosovo one win away from World Cup debut after 4-3 win over Slovakia |
Kosovo eliminated Slovakia 4-3 in a World Cup play-off thriller, setting up a final against Turkey. The win puts them one win away from their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Slovakia pushed hard for a second goal, with David Hancko's powerful shot flying straight at Kosovo's goalkeeper Arijanet Muric...
Kosovo is making waves in the World Cup play-offs. They stunned Slovakia 4-3 in a thriller, putting them one win away from their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. Now, they'll face Turkey on Tuesday for a spot in the tournament.
Slovakia had been on a roll, winning four home games straight, including a 2-0 win over Germany. But Kosovo had other plans. The match started flying with Slovakia's early goal - Martin Valjent headed in a beautifully curled free-kick from Lukas Haraslin in just the 6th minute.
Valjent's first cap in ages got off to a great start, but Kosovo's joy was short-lived. The visitors stormed back and equalized midway through the first half. Veldin Hodža's brilliant technique saw him sweep the ball past Martin Dubravka, stunning the home fans
Kosovo dominated possession, but Hodža's goal sparked Slovakia's response. The game was intense, with both teams creating chances.
Slovakia pushed hard for a second goal, with David Hancko's powerful shot flying straight at Kosovo's goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. Then, Lukas Haraslin came close again, his curling effort clipping the post
But Haraslin redeemed himself with a stunning free-kick just before halftime, curving it past Muric and into the net. Slovakia went into the break 2-0 up, but Kosovo had shown they wouldn't go down without a fight.
Slovakia's pressure paid off just before halftime. David Hancko's powerful shot was saved by Muric, but Lukas Haraslin's curling effort hit the post. Then, Haraslin redeemed himself with a stunning free-kick, curling it past Muric and into the net.
The goal went in just as it seemed like the game would go into the break level. Haraslin's brilliance put Slovakia ahead 2-1 at halftime.
The second half kicked off with a bang! Kosovo equalized quickly, thanks to Fisnik Asllani's brilliant header from Mërgim Vojvoda's cross. Then, they took the lead on the hour mark with Florent Muslija's stunning free-kick, curling into the net.
Kosovo was on fire, and they looked like the team to beat. Muslija's third goal in 40 caps was a beauty, and it sparked wild celebrations.
Slovakia pushed hard for an equalizer, with Lukas Haraslin's stunning strike beaten away by Arijanet Muric. But Kosovo pounced, and Kreshnik Hajrizi slammed home a loose ball in the box, sending the visitors wild.
The goal was the killer blow for Slovakia, and Kosovo celebrated a 4-2 lead. They're one win away from a World Cup spot - what a fairy tale.
Kosovo's thrilling win wasn't without its nerves - Slovakia pushed hard in added time, with David Strelec scoring to make it 4-3. But Kosovo held firm, securing a 4-3 victory and setting up a historic clash with Turkey.
The hosts, Slovakia, will be disappointed - their 16-year wait for a World Cup appearance continues, having last appeared in 2010.
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