Switzerland closed their ticket with the 2026 world cup after controlling and strategic draw against Kosovo in Pristina on Tuesday. The Swiss went to the game with the knowledge that one point would guarantee them the top position in Group B and they performed in a calm and composed manner, which increased their unbeaten streak in the qualifiers.
The first half witnessed a situation where both teams were passing through turn takes without any significant threat. Switzerland worked on staying in defensive form, whereas Kosovo attacked high to find an early advantage before their active fans. The breakthrough however came soon after the break.
This occurred in the 52nd minute when the Swiss midfielder, Djibril Sow, cut the defense with a perfectly weighted through ball to Ruben Vargas who calmly scored against the Kosovo goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric. The objective was symptomatic of Swiss strategic forbearance and cold-blooded killing.
In order to surpass Switzerland in the goal difference, Kosovo knew that only a big margin win could see them do so and so they pressed harder on the offensive. Their reward was reached in the 74th minute, when Florent Muslija hit a spectacular long-range shot, which wound around into the upper corner. It was a moment of quality that gave a lift to the home crowd and changed the momentum of the strike.
Sustained pressure in the last minutes could not help Kosovo to get the late goal that would have redefined the group standings. The defensive system of Switzerland, led by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was able to handle the pressure.
The Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez also commended the team strength after the match. We knew that Kosovo required an objective, and that provided us with a sense on how to play. We were on track and did what was necessary, he said.
