Two Debut Goals! ÖFB Team Clearly Defeats Kosovo

Same result, but a significantly better performance than in the opener against Israel!

On the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League, the ÖFB team wins 3-1 against Kosovo. David Affengruber and Junior Adamu put Austria 2-0 up with their debut goals, before substitute Carney Chukwuemeka adds a third. In the end, Kosovo pulls one back to 1-3 with a penalty.

Rangnick's XI starts the match intensely. With aggressive pressing, the ÖFB team immediately causes problems for Kosovo.

Early Top Chance for Kosovo

However, the first chance falls to the visitors: After an Adamu turnover near the opponent's penalty area, Franco Foda's team launches a quick counter-attack. Muriqi shoots over from about seven meters. Almost immediately, Adamu's shot is deflected (7th minute).

After a rapid opening phase, the game calms down a bit. During this period, Kevin Danso is the first player to receive a yellow card. The central defender will therefore miss the next match in Ireland.

Another Set Piece

Overall, Rangnick's side struggles with the compact 5-4-1 system. As against Israel, a set piece is needed – and once again, Schmid plays a part. The Italy-based player finds Affengruber with a free-kick cross, and Affengruber beats goalkeeper Muric with a wonderful header into the right corner (23rd minute).

For starting XI debutant Affengruber, it is his first ÖFB goal in his second international match.

Just five minutes later, the ÖFB becomes dangerous after a corner kick routine. Muriqi clears a cross from the half-space with a header just over the goal. A pattern emerges, as Schmid gets the next good opportunity in the 35th minute after a throw-in. Adamu strongly extends a throw-in into Wimmer's path, who takes his time in the box before eventually laying it off to Schmid. His shot is blocked.

Returnee Extends Lead Before Half-Time

After a potential penalty following a foul on Schmid (40th minute) is not checked by VAR, the Austrians still go 2-0 up before the break.

Xaver Schlager is primarily responsible for the goal with his solo run from the edge of his own penalty area. The Nottingham player bypasses four opponents, strongly plays it into Wimmer's path, who then sets up the free-running Adamu in front of the goalkeeper. The ÖFB returnee has an easy task and scores his first goal in Red-White-Red in his tenth match.

At half-time, Foda sees a great need for action and makes three substitutions. Among others, Valmir Matoshi from SK Sturm Graz comes into the game.

Despite the changes, the second half begins like the first: with a good chance for Muriqi. The Fenerbahce striker's header from a tight angle is on target, but Zawieschitzky is there to save it. The rebound is also blocked by the 19-year-old keeper (51st minute).

Super-sub Scores Immediately

In the 57th minute, Rangnick also makes a triple substitution: Prass, Kalajdzic, and Chukwuemeka come on for Wöber, Adamu, and Schmid.

Just a few moments later, the latter two are involved in the 3-0 goal. Chukwuemeka initiates the move himself, plays to Kalajdzic on the left side of the penalty area, who then back-heels it to Wanner. Although the keeper saves Wanner's shot off the post, "Chuki" is there to convert the rebound (61st minute).

As Wanner has to leave five minutes later due to injury, Markovic makes his debut for the senior national team. The 18-year-old is thus the first player from the U17 Vice World Champion team to feature under Rangnick.

Late Concession

Austria subsequently fails to finish its attacks with the necessary conviction. Shortly before the hosts' last substitution (Friedl for Veratschnig), Wimmer again takes a little too much time for a cross pass.

Nevertheless, the ÖFB team cannot avoid conceding a goal. After a blocked shot, Affengruber is too late against Matoshi. Zhegrova converts the resulting penalty low into the left corner (83rd minute).