At Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Rep. Of Ireland spent long stretches under pressure before Kosovo found the late winner that settled the Nations League opener. Ireland's possession share had already gone over the 40% mark by the 20th minute, but Heimir Hallgrimsson's side could still feel fortunate to be level at the break.
Kosovo's pressure and Muriqi's finish
The goal came in a crowded box, with Vedat Muriqi reacting quickest and turning the ball in from point blank range. Sky Sports put the strike in the 83rd minute, while RTÉ described it simply as a late winner. However it is timed, the finish matched the pattern of the night: Kosovo kept pushing, Ireland kept defending, and the home side eventually forced the opening.
Muriqi's role was central throughout. He has made 3 appearances in all competitions this season and has 1 goal, and this was the sort of close-range finish that fits his job in the side. Caoimhin Kelleher, who came in with 5 Premier League appearances this season, had already helped keep Ireland in it, but that spell of resistance did not last.
Ireland's long spell under pressure
RTÉ's report suggested Ireland were fortunate to go in level at half-time, and that felt like the key point rather than any collapse after the restart. Dara O'Shea and the rest of the back line were dealing with sustained Kosovo pressure for much of the night, but the decisive moment only arrived late.
The result leaves Ireland with an early setback and Kosovo with a home win built on patience and a striker who kept turning up in the right place. The contest was still tight deep into the second half, but once Muriqi pounced in the area, Ireland had no time left to respond.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
