On Saturday, Kosovo secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Lithuania in Kaunas, with goals from Edon Zhegrova and Ermal Krasniqi. Lithuania added late drama with a goal from Golubickas, but Kosovo held on for the win.
Edon Zhegrova once again proved why he's been in the spotlight in recent seasons. A perfectly timed pass from Muslija allowed Zhegrova to embark on a solo run, culminating in a brilliant low shot in a crowded penalty area, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.
The substitution of Ermal Krasniqi turned out to be a key decision. He not only scored the second goal but also revitalized the attack with his pace, delivering important passes and sharp finishes, one of which found the back of the net.
Another standout performance came from Dellova, who recently moved to CSKA Sofia. The center-back was instrumental in winning physical and aerial duels throughout the game. Additionally, he made crucial interceptions and showcased his impressive passing range.
This marks Kosovo's second victory in their UEFA Nations League campaign. While Franco Foda appears to have found a reliable starting lineup, the team still struggles to maintain consistent performance across the full 90 minutes. This inconsistency can be attributed to the constant changes in coaching staff over recent years, combined with media pressure, internal disturbances and lapses in concentration.
Overall, Kosovo is steadily building a strong young team. While consistency remains a work in progress, impacted by changes in leadership and external pressures, the team showed real character and quality throughout the match. It’s clear they are on the right path, though success won't come overnight. This is a team with potential that should not be underestimated in the future.
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