Kosovo, a small Muslim-majority nation, achieved a surprising victory by defeating Israel 1-0 in a rescheduled European Championship qualifier.
Originally set for October 15, the match was postponed due to the Hamas-Israel conflict, marking Israel’s first game since the attacks on October 7.
Milot Rashica’s outstanding first-half goal led Kosovo to a significant win, narrowing the gap with Israel to just one point in Group I. The match carried political undertones, with Kosovo fans booing during the Israeli national anthem as a tribute to hostages held in Gaza.
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Israeli captain Eli Dasa had expressed the team’s desire to bring happiness to their nation amid recent conflicts. Despite their efforts, Israel struggled to equalize and ended the match with 10 men after Roy Revivo received a second yellow card.
Kosovo’s victory underscores the growing competitiveness in international football, where smaller nations can challenge traditional powers. The win holds significance for Kosovo’s predominantly Muslim population and reflects the unifying nature of sports. The match highlighted both tensions and unity in international sports, showcasing football’s ability to bring unexpected triumphs for underdogs.
