Only at the end between Nati and Kosovo does it become very hot: a quick attack on Xhaka ruins Shaqiri’s exit

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As with the test match in the spring of 2022 in Zurich, the national team will play an away match. The Kosovo fans hijacked the Joggeli, which sold out within minutes. Kosovar and Albanian flags and some embroidered double-headed eagles are on display en masse among the 33,000 fans. Qeleshes, the typical Albanian headgear, are also in vogue.

It is a peaceful event, like back then in Letzigrund, when there were no qualification points at stake. The mood is far from warm-blooded, which may also have to do with the nasty November weather in Basel. And that the national team has clearly dominated the game for a long time. Only occasionally are there cheers when Kosovo ventures out of its entrenchment and launches a counterattack or two. But then Kosovo scored in the 82nd minute to make it 1-1. Then it gets really hot.

Shaqiri is now number 2

The focus is mainly on Xherdan Shaqiri (32). Against Israel he was sorely missed in the Nati attack as he languished on the bench for 96 minutes – contrary to pre-match agreements between player and coach, which is why Shaq is really pissed off. He is back against the country of his birth. And it is celebrated. When his name is introduced, the noise level in Joggeli reaches its first peak. He is the hero of the Kosovo diaspora – and also the favorite of Nati fans.

It’s Shaqiri’s game, even if he remains without a decisive scene. He was born in Gjilan in 1991 before his parents fled to Switzerland. With his 118th international match, he is on par with Heinz Hermann, his former youth coach at FCB, in his home country. He is now number 2 behind Granit Xhaka (120 international matches), he also has his roots in Kosovo.

Shaq has been committed accordingly from the start. In the 5th minute he bet on Vargas, who missed the first chance. Even after that, he often stays with both feet in the game when things get dangerous. He got his first shot in the 27th minute, but it was too innocent. Shortly before half-time, he hesitated too long after Xhaka’s dream move. But Shaq also functions excellently defensively, even though he has not had any match training for several weeks. He also showed flashes of his class after the break, until he left the field in the 84th minute.

Both can live with the draw

His substitution goes wrong because a speedster tries to put a Qeleshe on Granit Xhaka. It is the start of a hectic final phase in which the national team eventually saves the necessary point – without the help of Shaqiri. He will be in high demand again next summer at the European Championships in Germany – especially his scoring ability.

In the end, everyone can live with the tie. The national team has qualified for the European Championship, the weakened Kosovo has sold its skin dearly and can still hope for third place. However, Israel ultimately cannot win in Andorra on Tuesday.

Source : Blick