Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
James Abankwah makes his first competitive start for Ireland, with John Egan returning to the XI for the first time in three years. Liam Scales replaces Ryan Manning at right-wing back, as Dara O’Shea captains the side in Nathan Collins’ absence.
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhín Kelleher; James Abankwah, Jake O’Brien, Dara O’Shea (captain), John Egan, Liam Scales; Chiedozie Ogbene, Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Finn Azaz; Troy Parrott.
3 hrs ago
7:10PM
Usually a positive result on the pitch would help to shape the discourse but once this game with Kosovo is out of the way the focus will sharpen further on what is to come. Win, lose, or draw, the fallout from Pristina will be brief.
This feels like a game that will be lost in time because it precedes one such historic moment in time for Irish football.
Hallgrímsson speaking to RTÉ: “There’s been a lot of noise around us. People back home don’t want us to play the (Israel) game so it’s always tricky when your own people are protesting against what we’re going to do.
“We’ve talked about the things that are probably going to be pushed aside for this game but we want to represent the nation well with our performances and come from this four-game camp stronger.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Halgrimsson admits his team selection is a defensive one and he is giving Kosovo the respect he feels they deserve.
Watch Kosovo v Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog online. pic.twitter.com/ovJ4WFYYMD
“I think, given the surroundings, the environment, if we come through this together with good results, nothing in the future will shake us up.
“If we go through these four games with good results, strong performances, it’s probably the best team bonding weeks that we will have and can produce so hopefully we’ll get through this.”
2 hrs ago
7:42PM
The teams are out on the pitch, with the anthems underway.
900 Irish fans have made the journey to Pristina. They were typically in full voice for Amhrán na bhFiann, with many of the players also signing along. The 13,980-capacity stadium is fairly full, and it is loud. Formalities complete, here we go…
2 hrs ago
7:47PM
KICK-OFF! Belgian referee Lawrence Visser blows the whistle as he oversees his first senior international, and Kosovo get us underway.
2 hrs ago
7:50PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
3 mins – Kosovo enjoying most of the ball early doors as they look to settle. Ireland are more than happy to sit off and see how things unfold.
The early approach almost pays off, Troy Parrott looking to capitalise on some sloppy play but Kosovo clean up and quell any Irish hopes of a counter-attack.
2 hrs ago
7:53PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
6 mins - Ireland get their foot on the ball and look to play, but Kosovo are soon transitioning quickly. The visitors scramble, with John Egan and Jake O’Brien heading clear. The latter recovery was particularly important after an angled delivery.
2 hrs ago
7:55PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
8 mins – The Fields of Athenry got an airing early doors, but the Kosovo fans have found their voice as their side keep the pressure on Ireland.
The Boys In Green are playing with a back three/five – all five generally play centre-half. Here’s a reminder of the XI:
Caoimhín Kelleher; James Abankwah, Jake O’Brien, Dara O’Shea (captain), John Egan, Liam Scales; Chiedozie Ogbene, Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Finn Azaz; Troy Parrott.
2 hrs ago
7:59PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
10 mins – First half chance goes Kosovo’s way but Kelleher easily claims Vedat Muriqi’s header. There wasn’t much pace or power on the cross from the right and ‘the Pirate’ can’t get enough purchase on his header.
A promising Irish attack breaks down as Azaz miscues his pass.
2 hrs ago
8:01PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
12 mins – Ireland are on the front foot now, Azaz making up for his earlier error on the break, with Parrott threatening but he can’t be slipped through. They’ll look to build now.
2 hrs ago
8:02PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
14 mins – An Ireland free kick from distance amounts to nothing, and Kosovo make sure to clear their Lins as Ogbene is pinged for hand ball.
Kosovo with 69% of the possession so far.
2 hrs ago
8:06PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
16 mins - Bit of a let off for Ireland as a Kosovo player’s touch lets him down; the visitors’ defence backpedaling an opportunity to shoot having presented itself.
The goalkeepers are then busy: Kosovo’s custodian flapping at a Scales delivery, and Kelleher comfortably dealing with the latest attempt from the hosts.
2 hrs ago
8:10PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
20 mins – CLOSE! Muriqi lifts over as Ireland don’t deal with a free-kick after Abankwah is penalised for the latest robust challenge of the evening. O’Shea with big headers but Muriqi gets a shot away.
2 hrs ago
8:11PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
22 mins - CLOSE! Another big chance, this time at the other end. Ogbene will be disappointed not to have broken the deadlock, lifting over after superb work from Abankwah down the right.
Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene with Veldin Hodža and Leon Avdullahu of Kosovo. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
2 hrs ago
8:15PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
26 mins - O’Brien does well under pressure to intervene as Muriqi lurks, and Kelleher snuffs out the danger. The Irish defence have another ropey moment or two, they need to be careful or Kosovo will punish.
2 hrs ago
8:16PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
28 mins - OFF THE IRISH LINE! Molumby, wow. It looked destined to be 1-0 as Kosovo attack with another slick move, but the Irish midfielder somehow denies Muriqi.
2 hrs ago
8:19PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
31 mins - Some how, some way it is still scoreless just after the half-hour mark.
Kosovo really should be one up after that Molumby goal-line clearance, but both sides have had other chances. The referee settles matters as tempers flare after Avdullaho and Knight clash in the middle.
O’Shea this time, as Kosovo pile on the pressure and the noise ramps up. Not quite as close a call as the Molumby one, but still pivotal.
1 hr ago
8:26PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
37 mins - Ireland trying to target Kosovo down the right, a corner is prevented, but O’Brien’s long throw is dealt with accordingly. Parrott can’t connect with another Scales delivery from the other side. Whistles around the stadium after an Abankwah tackle but the referee waves play on.
1 hr ago
8:28PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
39 mins – WHAT A SAVE FROM KELLEHER!!!!
Muriqi’s header looks like it might nestle in the top right-hand corner, but Kelleher does brilliantly to get a hand on it. Muriqi will be wondering what more he has to do to score.
Brief concern there as Parrott receives treatment…
1 hr ago
8:30PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
42 mins - Kosovo look to break again as they clear an O’Brien long throw, but the Cork defender recovers to cut them out and knock the ball back to Kelleher. The visitors will look to keep it now, and relieve some pressure after a frantic few minutes.
1 hr ago
8:31PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
43 mins – No can do. They lose it again as Kosovo look to launch their latest attack.
Turned over, Azaz on the charge but his through-ball to Parrott is poor and the Real Betis striker cuts a frustrated figure.
It’s fair to say Ireland needed half-time there, having hung on at times. And they’re extremely lucky to be level.
Kosovo really turned the screw with Muriqi – known as The Pirate – coming close on several occasions. Molumby and O’Shea both cleared the ball of the line, while Kelleher also produced a brilliant save to keep it at 0-0. Ireland’s one and only attempt saw Ogbene lift over: he probably should have scored.
SECOND-HALF: Ireland restart, no changes on either side.
1 hr ago
8:50PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
46 mins - Azaz with another poor attempt at a through ball to Parrott, it rolls straight to the Kosovo ‘keeper. It really hasn’t clicked in the final third yet.
1 hr ago
8:53PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
48 mins – Ireland enjoying more of the ball since the restart, hoping to gain some control which they never had in the first half. Kosovo keeper plucks a Knight delivery from the sky.
1 hr ago
8:54PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
50 mins - Troy on target! Parrott gets his first attempt off with a header that is straight at the keeper and comfortably claimed. He applauds Abankwah for the delivery. Better.
1 hr ago
8:58PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
54 mins - There’s been a bit more urgency and intent from Ireland since the restart. Can they make it count? Parrott clips a ball out to the right for Ogbene to chase, and he’s fouled. Nice position here for the free – wide right, just outside the box.
1 hr ago
9:00PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
55 mins - Kosovo hold firm from the free, the keeper claiming the seconds.
Another scare at the other end as Muriqi flashes wide…
1 hr ago
9:03PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
58 mins – Azaz’s deflected delivery from the left is easily claimed by the Kosovo ‘keeper after a promising Ireland break. Few more encouraging moves there after difficulties playing Parrott and Ogbene through.
Jack Moylan looks ready to come on…
1 hr ago
9:05PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
60 mins – Kosovo player down receiving treatment, time to make that change…
Ireland sub: Moylan for Ogbene, making his competitive debut.
1 hr ago
9:06PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
62 mins – Kelleher gathers an overhit pass with Muriqi lurking.
Moylan is involved immediately, dancing around Kosovan defenders and winning a throw-in, which O’Brien will launch in…
1 hr ago
9:10PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
65 mins – Not huge distance in this O’Brien throw, as Kosovo goalkeeper Muric is kept on his toes with a few involvements – but far from sweating.
Yellow card for Molumby for lunging in – it’s far from the worst tackle of the night, perhaps harsh but a caution was coming sooner for someone rather than later.
1 hr ago
9:13PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
66 mins - LET OFF FOR IRELAND! Zhegrova hits Row Z after the ball takes a bobble on the pitch to deny the perfect tee up. Kosovo wide player shook off O’Brien and dragged back.
Yellow for Abankwah, dangerous free for Kosovo but O’Brien clears.
Ireland's Finn Azaz and Mërgim Vojvoda of Kosovo. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
1 hr ago
9:17PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
73 mins - Moylan concedes a free kick for holding up a dangerous Kosovo attack, he had to do it. The referee blows for an Irish free as the ball is flighted in.
Double Kosovo substitution just before it was taken, as likely playmaker Zhegrova makes way.
1 hr ago
9:19PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
75 mins – Azaz finds Moylan, who does well initially to beat the first man on the edge of the box before being cut out. Kosovo counter quickly but Ireland hold them up… for now anyway. 15 mins (plus injury time) to go, will there be a winner?
1 hr ago
9:23PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
78 mins – Double Ireland sub: Idah for Parrott, Coventry for Abankwah.
58 mins ago
9:26PM
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
81 mins – KELLEHER SAVE! A brilliant stop at the near post to deny The Pirate once more, as the Cork goalkeeper claims a couple of tamer deliveries either side of it.
That’s 12 Kosovo attempts to Ireland’s three.
56 mins ago
9:28PM
GOAL! Kosovo 1-0 Ireland (Muriqi, 83)
Kosovo lead. Sucker punch for Ireland. Who else, but Muriqi? The Pirate!
Confirmed after a VAR check. Ireland grievances as O’Shea feels he was pushed over by Muriqi in the build-up, his initial effort comes off the bar and he wrestles his way in to break the deadlock with the second…
51 mins ago
9:33PM
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
87 mins - Kosovo could be 2-0 up! Good chance sent just wide.
Ireland double sub: Owen Elding is on for his senior international debut, Ryan Manning is also on. Kosovo make a double switch of their own with 17-year-old Bayern Munich wonderkid Erblin Osmani coming on and Muriqi off.
50 mins ago
9:34PM
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
89 mins - Ireland under the pump here, Kosovo’s latest effort shot straight at Kelleher. Visitors trying to push forward, leaving huge gaps and spaces.
Three minutes added on…
47 mins ago
9:37PM
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
92 mins – Another Irish tame attack fizzles out… Kosovo fans will the final whistle – until their team is on the attack.
Disappointment for Ireland after Muriqi’s 83rd-minute winner in Pristina. Bottom of the group after the first round of fixtures, Austria beating Israel 3-1 in the other game.
“Disappointing night,” Dara O’Shea tells RTÉ. “I don’t think we played great football at all. I thought we did enough to maybe get away with a point, with the defending. It was a tough battle.”
That’s all for our liveblog tonight, but David Sneyd’s match report will be on The 42 imminently. The first Israel game on Sunday now moves into full view.
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LIVE: Kosovo v Republic of Ireland, Uefa Nations League
To Pristina, where the Republic of Ireland men’s national team open their Uefa Nations League campaign.
The upcoming fixtures against Israel have dominated the agenda this week, and that will continue ahead of Sunday.
But first, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side face Kosovo in the first competitive meeting of the nations.
Kick-off at Fadil Vokrri Stadium is 7.45pm Irish time, with the action live on RTÉ 2.
We’ll keep you up to date here, while David Sneyd is on the ground in Pristina for The 42.
Team News
James Abankwah makes his first competitive start for Ireland, with John Egan returning to the XI for the first time in three years. Liam Scales replaces Ryan Manning at right-wing back, as Dara O’Shea captains the side in Nathan Collins’ absence.
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhín Kelleher; James Abankwah, Jake O’Brien, Dara O’Shea (captain), John Egan, Liam Scales; Chiedozie Ogbene, Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Finn Azaz; Troy Parrott.
Usually a positive result on the pitch would help to shape the discourse but once this game with Kosovo is out of the way the focus will sharpen further on what is to come. Win, lose, or draw, the fallout from Pristina will be brief.
This feels like a game that will be lost in time because it precedes one such historic moment in time for Irish football.
Hallgrímsson speaking to RTÉ: “There’s been a lot of noise around us. People back home don’t want us to play the (Israel) game so it’s always tricky when your own people are protesting against what we’re going to do.
“We’ve talked about the things that are probably going to be pushed aside for this game but we want to represent the nation well with our performances and come from this four-game camp stronger.
“I think, given the surroundings, the environment, if we come through this together with good results, nothing in the future will shake us up.
“If we go through these four games with good results, strong performances, it’s probably the best team bonding weeks that we will have and can produce so hopefully we’ll get through this.”
The teams are out on the pitch, with the anthems underway.
900 Irish fans have made the journey to Pristina. They were typically in full voice for Amhrán na bhFiann, with many of the players also signing along. The 13,980-capacity stadium is fairly full, and it is loud. Formalities complete, here we go…
KICK-OFF! Belgian referee Lawrence Visser blows the whistle as he oversees his first senior international, and Kosovo get us underway.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
3 mins – Kosovo enjoying most of the ball early doors as they look to settle. Ireland are more than happy to sit off and see how things unfold.
The early approach almost pays off, Troy Parrott looking to capitalise on some sloppy play but Kosovo clean up and quell any Irish hopes of a counter-attack.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
6 mins - Ireland get their foot on the ball and look to play, but Kosovo are soon transitioning quickly. The visitors scramble, with John Egan and Jake O’Brien heading clear. The latter recovery was particularly important after an angled delivery.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
8 mins – The Fields of Athenry got an airing early doors, but the Kosovo fans have found their voice as their side keep the pressure on Ireland.
The Boys In Green are playing with a back three/five – all five generally play centre-half. Here’s a reminder of the XI:
Caoimhín Kelleher; James Abankwah, Jake O’Brien, Dara O’Shea (captain), John Egan, Liam Scales; Chiedozie Ogbene, Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Finn Azaz; Troy Parrott.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
10 mins – First half chance goes Kosovo’s way but Kelleher easily claims Vedat Muriqi’s header. There wasn’t much pace or power on the cross from the right and ‘the Pirate’ can’t get enough purchase on his header.
A promising Irish attack breaks down as Azaz miscues his pass.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
12 mins – Ireland are on the front foot now, Azaz making up for his earlier error on the break, with Parrott threatening but he can’t be slipped through. They’ll look to build now.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
14 mins – An Ireland free kick from distance amounts to nothing, and Kosovo make sure to clear their Lins as Ogbene is pinged for hand ball.
Kosovo with 69% of the possession so far.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
16 mins - Bit of a let off for Ireland as a Kosovo player’s touch lets him down; the visitors’ defence backpedaling an opportunity to shoot having presented itself.
The goalkeepers are then busy: Kosovo’s custodian flapping at a Scales delivery, and Kelleher comfortably dealing with the latest attempt from the hosts.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
20 mins – CLOSE! Muriqi lifts over as Ireland don’t deal with a free-kick after Abankwah is penalised for the latest robust challenge of the evening. O’Shea with big headers but Muriqi gets a shot away.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
22 mins - CLOSE! Another big chance, this time at the other end. Ogbene will be disappointed not to have broken the deadlock, lifting over after superb work from Abankwah down the right.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
26 mins - O’Brien does well under pressure to intervene as Muriqi lurks, and Kelleher snuffs out the danger. The Irish defence have another ropey moment or two, they need to be careful or Kosovo will punish.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
28 mins - OFF THE IRISH LINE! Molumby, wow. It looked destined to be 1-0 as Kosovo attack with another slick move, but the Irish midfielder somehow denies Muriqi.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
31 mins - Some how, some way it is still scoreless just after the half-hour mark.
Kosovo really should be one up after that Molumby goal-line clearance, but both sides have had other chances. The referee settles matters as tempers flare after Avdullaho and Knight clash in the middle.
Here’s the crucial Molumby intervention:
And Ogbene’s earlier chance:
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
34 mins - ANOTHER IRISH GOAL LINE CLEARANCE!
O’Shea this time, as Kosovo pile on the pressure and the noise ramps up. Not quite as close a call as the Molumby one, but still pivotal.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
37 mins - Ireland trying to target Kosovo down the right, a corner is prevented, but O’Brien’s long throw is dealt with accordingly. Parrott can’t connect with another Scales delivery from the other side. Whistles around the stadium after an Abankwah tackle but the referee waves play on.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
39 mins – WHAT A SAVE FROM KELLEHER!!!!
Muriqi’s header looks like it might nestle in the top right-hand corner, but Kelleher does brilliantly to get a hand on it. Muriqi will be wondering what more he has to do to score.
Brief concern there as Parrott receives treatment…
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
42 mins - Kosovo look to break again as they clear an O’Brien long throw, but the Cork defender recovers to cut them out and knock the ball back to Kelleher. The visitors will look to keep it now, and relieve some pressure after a frantic few minutes.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
43 mins – No can do. They lose it again as Kosovo look to launch their latest attack.
Turned over, Azaz on the charge but his through-ball to Parrott is poor and the Real Betis striker cuts a frustrated figure.
HT: Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
It’s fair to say Ireland needed half-time there, having hung on at times. And they’re extremely lucky to be level.
Kosovo really turned the screw with Muriqi – known as The Pirate – coming close on several occasions. Molumby and O’Shea both cleared the ball of the line, while Kelleher also produced a brilliant save to keep it at 0-0. Ireland’s one and only attempt saw Ogbene lift over: he probably should have scored.
All square, big second half to come.
Here’s that Kelleher save:
SECOND-HALF: Ireland restart, no changes on either side.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
46 mins - Azaz with another poor attempt at a through ball to Parrott, it rolls straight to the Kosovo ‘keeper. It really hasn’t clicked in the final third yet.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
48 mins – Ireland enjoying more of the ball since the restart, hoping to gain some control which they never had in the first half. Kosovo keeper plucks a Knight delivery from the sky.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
50 mins - Troy on target! Parrott gets his first attempt off with a header that is straight at the keeper and comfortably claimed. He applauds Abankwah for the delivery. Better.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
54 mins - There’s been a bit more urgency and intent from Ireland since the restart. Can they make it count? Parrott clips a ball out to the right for Ogbene to chase, and he’s fouled. Nice position here for the free – wide right, just outside the box.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
55 mins - Kosovo hold firm from the free, the keeper claiming the seconds.
Another scare at the other end as Muriqi flashes wide…
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
58 mins – Azaz’s deflected delivery from the left is easily claimed by the Kosovo ‘keeper after a promising Ireland break. Few more encouraging moves there after difficulties playing Parrott and Ogbene through.
Jack Moylan looks ready to come on…
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
60 mins – Kosovo player down receiving treatment, time to make that change…
Ireland sub: Moylan for Ogbene, making his competitive debut.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
62 mins – Kelleher gathers an overhit pass with Muriqi lurking.
Moylan is involved immediately, dancing around Kosovan defenders and winning a throw-in, which O’Brien will launch in…
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
65 mins – Not huge distance in this O’Brien throw, as Kosovo goalkeeper Muric is kept on his toes with a few involvements – but far from sweating.
Yellow card for Molumby for lunging in – it’s far from the worst tackle of the night, perhaps harsh but a caution was coming sooner for someone rather than later.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
66 mins - LET OFF FOR IRELAND! Zhegrova hits Row Z after the ball takes a bobble on the pitch to deny the perfect tee up. Kosovo wide player shook off O’Brien and dragged back.
Yellow for Abankwah, dangerous free for Kosovo but O’Brien clears.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
73 mins - Moylan concedes a free kick for holding up a dangerous Kosovo attack, he had to do it. The referee blows for an Irish free as the ball is flighted in.
Double Kosovo substitution just before it was taken, as likely playmaker Zhegrova makes way.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
75 mins – Azaz finds Moylan, who does well initially to beat the first man on the edge of the box before being cut out. Kosovo counter quickly but Ireland hold them up… for now anyway. 15 mins (plus injury time) to go, will there be a winner?
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
78 mins – Double Ireland sub: Idah for Parrott, Coventry for Abankwah.
Kosovo 0-0 Ireland
81 mins – KELLEHER SAVE! A brilliant stop at the near post to deny The Pirate once more, as the Cork goalkeeper claims a couple of tamer deliveries either side of it.
That’s 12 Kosovo attempts to Ireland’s three.
GOAL! Kosovo 1-0 Ireland (Muriqi, 83)
Kosovo lead. Sucker punch for Ireland. Who else, but Muriqi? The Pirate!
Confirmed after a VAR check. Ireland grievances as O’Shea feels he was pushed over by Muriqi in the build-up, his initial effort comes off the bar and he wrestles his way in to break the deadlock with the second…
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
87 mins - Kosovo could be 2-0 up! Good chance sent just wide.
Ireland double sub: Owen Elding is on for his senior international debut, Ryan Manning is also on. Kosovo make a double switch of their own with 17-year-old Bayern Munich wonderkid Erblin Osmani coming on and Muriqi off.
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
89 mins - Ireland under the pump here, Kosovo’s latest effort shot straight at Kelleher. Visitors trying to push forward, leaving huge gaps and spaces.
Three minutes added on…
Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
92 mins – Another Irish tame attack fizzles out… Kosovo fans will the final whistle – until their team is on the attack.
Kelleher steps up once more. Seconds left…
FT: Kosovo 1-0 Ireland
Disappointment for Ireland after Muriqi’s 83rd-minute winner in Pristina. Bottom of the group after the first round of fixtures, Austria beating Israel 3-1 in the other game.
“Disappointing night,” Dara O’Shea tells RTÉ. “I don’t think we played great football at all. I thought we did enough to maybe get away with a point, with the defending. It was a tough battle.”
That’s all for our liveblog tonight, but David Sneyd’s match report will be on The 42 imminently. The first Israel game on Sunday now moves into full view.
Thanks for reading, and good night!
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