Kosovo extend magical journey by ousting Slovakia in World Cup play-off thriller

Slovakia under Francesco Calzona had triumphed in their prior four home fixtures, featuring a 2-0 win against Germany back in September. The hosts burst into action with flair, claiming the lead after merely six minutes to build on that streak, as Lukas Haraslin whipped in a finely arced free-kick for Martin Valjent to leap high and direct a forceful header beyond Arijanet Muric.

Valjents return to the national team, his initial appearance since June 2022, kicked off in fine fashion, though the away team hit back with flair to level matters around halfway through the opening period. Mërgim Vojvoda spotted Veldin Hodza lurking on the penalty areas fringe, where he unleashed superb control to guide the ball wide of Martin Dubravka.

Kosovo earned their strike through commanding the majority of the ball, yet Hodžas sparkling finish merely ignited a reaction from the Slovaks.

To begin with, David Hancko unleashed a sharp drive right at Muric come the 30-minute juncture, followed closely by the key Haraslín nearly finding the target with a bending shot that brushed the posts outer edge.

That said, as the interval loomed with scores tied, Haraslín delivered once more with a stunning free-kick that navigated through a cluster of players and sailed beyond Muric.

The opening periods intensity picked up right after the restart, as Kosovo mounted an excellent riposte to tie it up again, Vojvodas inviting delivery nodded home deftly by Fisnik Asllani.

Franco Fodas team seized control and kept appearing the favourites to notch the subsequent goal, achieving it at the 60-minute point for a remarkable reversal. Florent Muslija secured a free-kick just outside the area before curling an irrepressible effort into the posts far side, his third tally in 40 outings for Kosovo.

Falling behind drove Slovakia into a frantic barrage against their rivals hunting for parity, almost achieved by Haraslíns spectacular attempt repelled by Muric.

Still, Kosovo countered sharply, Kreshnik Hajrizi snapping up a stray ball within the six-yard box before crashing it goalwards to lift the visitors into bliss.

Slovakia introduced tension in the closing two minutes of injury time, David Strelec tapping in Hanczos bid with keen forwards poise, yet Kosovo repelled to clinch the result and line up a historic clash with Turkey. Meanwhile, the home sides 16-year absence from the World Cup endures following their 2010 involvement.