BY OUR FOOTBALL ENVOY IN BRATISLAVA
KOSOVO’S history-makers pulled off the heist of the century last night, silencing the Tehelné pole with a logic-defying 4-3 victory over Slovakia.
In a breathless World Cup play-off semi-final that had more twists than a mountain road, the “Dardanian” underdogs proved they belong on the world stage. Despite trailing at the break, Franco Foda’s men produced a second-half blitz that left the Slovakians shell-shocked and the travelling fans in raptures.
The evening started like a nightmare for the visitors. Just six minutes in, Slovakia’s Martin Valjent rose highest to thump home a header from a Lukáš Haraslín cross. It was the start everyone expected, but no one told Kosovo the script.
Juventus star Edon Zhegrova was the catalyst for chaos. While he didn’t grab the goals himself, his “magic wand” of a left foot tormented the Slovakian backline all night. It was his creative spark that allowed Veldin Hodža to level the scores at 1-1 after 21 minutes, finishing a slick move started by the tireless Mërgim Vojvoda.
Slovakia regained the lead before half-time through Haraslín, and it looked like the dream was dying. But the second half belonged to the brave.
Towering talisman Vedat Muriqi didn’t just lead the line; he occupied the entire Slovakian defence. His physical presence allowed Fisnik Asllani to ghost in for a header just two minutes after the restart to make it 2-2.
The momentum shifted like a landslide. Florent Muslija then sent the away end into a frenzy on the hour mark, rifling home a crisp strike to put Kosovo ahead for the first time. When Kreshnik Hajrizi poked home a fourth in the 72nd minute, the impossible seemed certain.
”We’ve only been going for ten years,” said a beaming Muriqi after the whistle. “We’re here to give everything and fight for that spot. The whole country is buzzing.”
Slovakia threw the kitchen sink, the fridge, and the plumbing at the Kosovo goal in the dying stages. David Strelec pulled one back in the 94th minute to set up a heart-stopping finale, but Kosovo’s “Great Wall” held firm.
With the 4-3 victory secured, Kosovo now move on to a winner-takes-all final against either Turkey or Romania. On this evidence, who would dare bet against them?