Why was Kosovo's last match with Israel unusual?

Kosovo has played two matches with Israel in the past. The matches were part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. On March 25, 2023 in Tel Aviv, in front of 29 spectators, Kosovo earned a point by drawing 1:1 with Israel. The match was part of the first round. 

The meeting in Pristina was supposed to be played on October 15, 2023. But it was postponed to November 12 due to the war that broke out in the Middle East. 

November 12 was not FIFA's free date for international matches. And the challenge was completely unusual. In front of only 5200 spectators, Kosovo won 1:0 with a goal from Milot Rashica in the 41st minute. 

It was only the second victory of the "Dardans" in that qualifying cycle, which was characterized by a full five draws. Although it collected 11 points, Kosovo was the penultimate in the group. It left only Andorra behind. Romania, Switzerland, Israel and Belarus were higher than Kosovo in the table.

The match at “Fadil Vokrri” was the first for Israel after the war in the Middle East began. There were strict security measures around the stadium and not only that. It was Sunday and there were regular rounds in the European leagues. This meant that not all players could gather with Kosovo. Only Mallorca and Vedat Muriqi had postponed the championship match due to his gathering with Kosovo. Kosovo was missing the then captain, Amir Rrahmani, then Edon Zhegrova, Arbër Zeneli, Betim Fazliji and several others.

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Before the match, the FFK issued a statement clarifying a statement that Muriqi had made regarding "police officers from Israel."

Muriqi led the attack, while Milot Rashica played behind him. Aro Muriq was in goal, while Lumbardh Dellova, Fidan Aliti and Ilir Krasniqi played in the center of defense. On the wings were Lirim Kastrati and Bernard Berisha, while Florian Loshaj, Qëndrim Zyba and Florent Muslija also started. The coach was Slovenian Primož Gliha.

Gliha's players excelled on a very difficult and muddy pitch. They created many chances, but also wasted many. Muriqi suffered an injury in the second half, while the young players justified their trust. 

"Every situation in football is normal. You have to find a solution to play or cry. We had many chances, but the field is what it is. Kosovo has players for the future. Each match is specific," Gliha declared.

In addition to the rain and the bad pitch, that unusual match was also made worse by the very strict security measures. There were hundreds of police officers in and around the stadium, in uniform and plainclothes. There were security personnel in the tall buildings surrounding the stadium as well. There were whistles when the names of the Israeli players were called. The whistles were even louder when the Israeli anthem was played. 

After the match, the condition of the field at “Fadil Vokrri” became a topic of discussion. There were statements from the Municipality of Pristina and the FFK. In Israel, they expressed surprise at how that field was accepted for the match. An Israeli journalist called Kosovo a “mediocre team”, although the party in the end was for the “Dardans”.

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Kosovo plays Israel again on Thursday. This time the match of the fifth edition of the Nations League, namely League B, takes place in Debrecen, Hungary. Israel is the host, but is organizing the match in a neutral venue.

At "Fadil Vokrri", Kosovo hosts Israel on November 14.