Super-sub strikes! ÖFB team saves a draw against Kosovo
It initially looked like a defeat, but just like against Ireland, the ÖFB team fought back and struck late.
Austria battles to a 1-1 draw against Kosovo away from home on the fourth matchday of the UEFA Nations League.
The hosts create a first half-chance in the eighth minute. After a switch of play, Posch is too far from his opponent, Gallapeni sends the ball into the middle, but Hodza shoots wide of the goal (8').
Just one minute later, the ÖFB team also gets dangerously close for the first time. Following a cross from Posch, Michael Gregoritsch gets a header, but goalkeeper Saipi still tips the ball over the bar with his fingertips (10').
Pitch causes difficulties for ÖFB players
Austria initially struggles on the difficult surface. Unnecessary turnovers and errors repeatedly creep in because the ball takes unpredictable bounces.
Consequently, the ÖFB team finds it difficult to create clear chances. In the 25th minute, Prass tries a snap-shot from distance, forcing Kosovo's goalkeeper into a strong save.
Shortly before halftime, it gets dangerous again after an unnecessary misplaced pass from Schlager. Alexander Schlager, however, is alert, slides in, and just manages to clear the ball (42').
Kosovo comes out stronger after the break
After the break, Juventus player Zhegrova creates the first dangerous action. His long-range shot forces Schlager into a save (54').
In this phase, Kosovo is the better team and follows up just one minute later. Hodza gets a header from close range, but Schlager reacts strongly and prevents the goal (55').
Ralf Rangnick reacts to this by bringing on three new attacking players at once in Kalajdzic, Lang, and Grüll.
But the substitutions initially don't pay off. Zhegrova once again breaks through on the right wing and sets up ex-Austria player Asllani, lurking at the back, who slots the ball into the far corner for 1-0 (70').
Lang with maiden goal
Subsequently, the ÖFB team pushes for the equalizer, but clear chances initially fail to materialize.
In the 84th minute, a long throw-in from Danso finally leads to success. Kalajdzic heads the ball on to Lang, who heads in his maiden goal to make it 1-1.
In the end, it remains that way, and Austria takes a point from Kosovo.
