Kosovo 1-0 Republic of Ireland Match Stats & Timeline: Hallgrímsson's side suffer defeat in Nations League opener
Republic of Ireland endured a disappointing start to their UEFA Nations League campaign after suffering a late defeat against Kosovo on Thursday evening.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side looked on course to secure a share of the spoils on the road, only to be undone by Vedat Muriqi's brave header seven minutes from time.
In truth, the home side were fully deserving of the three points, with the nation -- enjoying their highest ever position in FIFA's world rankings - rattling the visitors right from the offset.
Ireland packed their box and tried their utmost to nullify the determined, high-tempo and desperate hosts, and whilst it looked as though they would have something to reward their efforts, Muriqi struck a killer blow late on with a superb stopping header.
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland Timeline
- 61' - Substitute for Ireland - Moylan replaced Ogbene
- 66' - Yellow card for Molumby 9Ireland)
- 68' - Yellow card for Abankwah (Ireland)
- 73' - Substitute for Kosovo - Krasniqi replaced Zhergrova
- 73' - Substitute for Kosovo - Rachica replaced Zabergia
- 80' - Substitute for Ireland - Coventry replaced Abankwah
- 80' - Substitute for Ireland - Idah replaced Parrott
- 83' - GOAL for Kosovo, scored by Muriqi
- 87' - Substitute for Kosovo - Asllani replaced Muriqi
- 87' - Substitute for Kosovo - Osmani replaced Hodza
- 88' - Substitute for Ireland - Manning replaced Scales
- 88' - Substitute for Ireland - Elding replaced Egan
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland Match Stats
Kosovo | 1-0 | Republic of Ireland |
57% | Possession | 43% |
22 | Shots | 3 |
2.22 | XG | 0.28 |
8 | Shots on Target | 1 |
1 | Goalkeeper Saves | 5 |
1 | Corners | 0 |
12 | Fouls committed | 15 |
2 | Offside | 0 |
0 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
0 | Red Cards | 0 |
