Debut in Kosovo – and against Switzerland!: FCL star Beka: “It’s the game of my life”

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

In May 2022, Ismajl Beka (23) still played for Rapperswil-Jona in the Promotion League. Fifteen months later, he is not only a permanent fixture at FC Luzern, but recently also a player of the Kosovo national team.

“Being able to play for your own country is a huge and indescribable feeling,” Beka proudly tells Blick. The first team is not only something special for him personally. “My mom cried when she found out.”

“Almost all my relatives are in the stadium”

It is not only the nomination that causes special emotions in the Beka family. Because the central defender could celebrate his debut against Switzerland on Saturday. Precisely because as a Frauenfelder he was just as suitable for our national team and Murat Yakin (48) had him on the long list. “However, together with my family, I have decided that I want to play for Kosovo.”

Whether he is used against Switzerland or not, the upcoming game is of enormous importance for Beka. “It’s the match of my life. In these 90 minutes I will have very special emotions,” he says. This probably applies to a large part of his family. “My whole family from Switzerland comes to this game and many of my relatives in Kosovo there will be too. That’s really cool.”

Beka will not only encounter familiar faces in the stands. If all goes well, he will be on the field at the same time as Ardon Jashari (21). The two are undisputed regulars at Lucerne and good friends. “Of course we have been talking about this match in recent days and joking that for once we are opponents.”

slide as a trademark

By then, Jashari will know what Beka’s uncompromising tackles feel like as an opponent. In the Super League, the defender made a name for himself last year with his tackles. Sometimes it seems as if it can go in any direction with its long legs – like an octopus with its tentacles. “The sliding tackle has always been my trademark.”

Beka has become an integral part of the Lucerne Defense Association. In the entire league, he ranks among the top three defenders in clarifying opponents’ actions (28) and intercepting crosses or passes (13). In the duels won (30) he finished eleventh. Now the 23-year-old gets the chance to show his qualities at an international level.

Source : Blick