Kosovo handball players have ended their European Championship qualifiers with a loss.
On Sunday night in 's-Hertogenbosch, Kosovo suffered a five-goal defeat against the Netherlands, 34:29.
The "Dardans" closed the qualifying campaign for "Euro 2026" with three points. They had a 33:33 draw with the Netherlands in Pristina and a 31:30 victory over Ukraine.
The Faroe Islands won the group with nine points, while the Netherlands came in second with eight points. Ukraine finished third with four points.
After the 25:23 defeat by the Faroe Islands on Thursday night in Pristina, the chances of advancing to the final tournament to be organized early next year in Denmark, Norway and Sweden were very slim.
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At the beginning of the match, Kosovo played well, creating a two-goal lead. After 23 minutes, the score was tied, 11:11.
But, from that moment on, the Dutch came out ahead and no longer risked victory.
The first half ended with a five-goal difference for the home team, 16:11.
Dutch goalkeeper Bart Ravensbergen had several good saves in this half.
Kosovo came closer in the second half by three goals, 18:15.
But the handball players, led by coach Bujar Qerimi, did not have the strength to do anything more.
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The Netherlands responded with strong defense and efficient offense, creating an eight-goal lead after 52 minutes, 29:21.
Until the end, there were no surprises and they recorded their third victory in the group, in addition to two draws and one defeat.
Leonard Gegaj was the top scorer for Kosovo with eight goals. Captain Valon Dedaj had six goals, while Drilon Tahirukaj scored five goals.
Luigj Quni and Egzon Gjuka finished the match with three goals each. Dreni Tahirukaj scored two goals, while Olsi Mulaj and Lulzin Shabani scored one goal each.
Goalkeeper Haris Berisha had seven saves.
For the Dutch team, Rutger ten Velde made the biggest contribution to the victory, scoring 12 goals in 15 attempts. Ivar Stavast and Dani Baijens scored four goals each. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ravensbergen made 14 saves from 35 shots.
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Kosovo loses the first qualifying match for "Euro 2026"
Kosovo had many absences in this match. Bujar Ramosaj, Rron Ramadani, Kastriot Jupa, Shaban Zogaj and Lionel Mirdita did not play due to injuries.
The Kosovo handball team, as in other team sports, has failed to qualify for any major event.
