Foda regrets missed point: "Statistically a balanced game"

Fewer people live in Kosovo than in Vienna.

However, the Kosovan football association, which only joined UEFA in 2016, has undergone remarkable development in the last decade.

The "Dardanët", featuring many diaspora players, recently climbed to 78th place in the FIFA World Ranking. In the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the Kosovans beat Sweden and Slovenia, and were narrowly defeated by Turkey in the playoff.

This rise was driven by former Austria national team coach Franco Foda, who has been working as a coach in Kosovo since early 2024 and enjoys high regard there.

"Austria's victory not undeserved"

On Sunday, the German returned to his old stomping ground at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium, suffering a 1:3 defeat (Match report>>>).

"Overall, Austria's victory was not undeserved, although we should have taken a 1-0 lead. We all know that in football, a game can then turn in the other direction," Foda lamented in an "ORF" interview, referring to a big chance missed by Vedat Muriqi after only a few minutes of play.

After that, the Austria national team was the more dangerous side for long stretches, especially after transition moments, the newly formed Kosovan defense was repeatedly put under pressure.

Team did not implement tactical instructions

"The realization from the game is that against a team that plays quickly forward, you have to be well-organized in your rest defense. That was not the case in one situation or another," said the 60-year-old.

Furthermore, his team - contrary to the actual instruction - pressed not only on opponent goal kicks but also from open play, but often arrived too late.

"Against Austria, you won't get ten huge chances"

Adding to his frustration, Foda had to lament the inadequate chance conversion, especially by star striker Muriqi, who also missed a sitter after the break.

"Against Austria, you won't get ten huge chances. You have to take the two or three clear opportunities you get," Foda sighed.

Statistically balanced game

Overall, his team "certainly did not play at its absolute limit" due to the personnel situation. Especially in defense, the short-term absence of Hoffenheim player Albian Hajdari and the retirement of captain Amir Rrahmani were keenly felt; additionally, striker Fisnik Asllani was only fit enough for a brief appearance.

Nevertheless, Foda noted, given a possession distribution of 48 to 52 percent and an Expected Goals value of 1.39 to 1.83 against his team: "Purely from the statistics, the game was balanced."

Austria was ultimately the more experienced and therefore also the more composed team at this level.

Emotional return

For Foda personally, the return to Vienna was, of course, something special: "When we drove to the stadium by bus, it was a bit unusual. Of course, it was a different feeling than usual, but during the game, you focus on your team and try to prepare them as best as possible."

The chance for revenge for Foda and Co. will come next Sunday (6 PM CET in the LIVE ticker>>>) when the Austria national team plays the return leg in Pristina.