Kosovo 1-1 Switzerland Player Ratings: Dellova Rated 8/10 as Muslija's Stunner Secures a 1-1 Draw

A pulsating encounter at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri saw Kosovo fight back to claim a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their WC Qualification Europe clash. It was a match that had a bit of everything. From our perspective, it felt like a classic game of two halves. Switzerland looked comfortable for large spells, but Kosovo's spirit was something else entirely.

The visitors broke the deadlock just after the interval. Rubén Vargas produced a neat finish to give his side the lead. At that point, you felt Switzerland might go on and control the match. However, the home side refused to lie down, galvanized by a passionate crowd.

Their persistence paid off spectacularly. Florent Muslija unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box that flew into the net. The stadium erupted, and Kosovo secured a point they thoroughly deserved for their second-half performance. It was a result that felt fair in the end, with both teams showing moments of real quality.

Here are Kosovo Vs Switzerland Player Ratings

Switzerland Player Ratings vs Kosovo

Here are Switzerland Player Ratings vs Kosovo

Goalkeeper

Gregor Kobel - 6.5: We noticed he made a couple of decent saves, including one crucial stop from inside the box. He looked commanding with his high claims. However, he was left with absolutely no chance for Muslija's incredible long-range strike. A solid, if unspectacular, performance between the sticks.

Defenders

Silvan Widmer - 6.5: A mixed bag from the right-back. He provided a lovely cross for a big chance in the first half and was generally tidy. Defensively, he won his tackles but was subbed off with 15 minutes to go. A decent shift but didn't dominate his flank.

Nico Elvedi - 7.0: A really solid performance from our point of view. He was in the right place to make two important blocked shots and looked composed on the ball. He read the game well and was a steady presence at the back throughout the 90 minutes. A reliable display.

Manuel Akanji - 6.5: He did his job without much fuss. His passing from the back was excellent, as shown by his 92% accuracy. Made a few important clearances but was also dribbled past once. From our perspective he wasn't as imposing as we've seen him before, but he didn't make any major errors.

Ricardo Rodríguez - 6.5: It was a quiet game for the experienced defender. He was neat in possession and made three interceptions, showing his good reading of the game. However, he didn't offer much going forward and seemed content to play a safe game. A steady but unremarkable evening's work.

Midfielders

Granit Xhaka - 6.5: The captain had a decent game controlling the tempo in midfield. He kept the ball moving with his usual high pass accuracy. But what stood out to us was that he wasn't as influential as he often is. He was subbed off late on, perhaps to protect him after a solid but not game-changing performance.

Djibril Sow - 7.5: He was one of Switzerland's brightest sparks. He provided the crucial assist for the opening goal with a clever through ball. His passing was almost perfect, and he barely lost possession. A really impressive and creative display in the middle of the park before his late substitution.

Michel Aebischer - 7.0: He was busy and involved all over the pitch. He got into a great position to test the keeper and also created a big chance for a teammate. However, he also missed a big chance himself. A very energetic and positive performance overall.

Forwards

Breel Embolo - 6.0: It was a deeply frustrating night for the powerful striker. He was physically dominated, losing eight of his ten duels. He just couldn't seem to get into the game or impose himself on the Kosovo defenders. It was no surprise to see him substituted after 69 minutes.

Johan Manzambi - 7.0: A lively and chaotic presence up front. He was a real handful, winning a lot of duels and showing a willingness to run at defenders. He created a chance but also missed a big one in the first half. An exciting but unpolished performance.

Rubén Vargas - 7.5: Scored a very well-taken goal that looked like it might be the winner. He was a constant threat with his direct running and sharp movement. His withdrawal on 69 minutes was a bit of a surprise to us as he was looking like Switzerland's most dangerous player.

Manager

M. Yakin - 6.5: His team started the second half perfectly by taking the lead. The initial game plan seemed to be working. However, his side couldn't hold onto the lead and his substitutions didn't have the desired effect of killing the game off. A decent tactical setup but ultimately undone by Kosovo's resilience.

Kosovo Player Ratings vs Switzerland

Here are Kosovo Player Ratings vs Switzerland

Goalkeeper

Arijanet Murić - 7.0: He had a solid game in goal. He made two important saves from inside the box to keep his team in the contest. There was very little he could do about the well-placed goal he conceded. He looked confident and assured throughout.

Defenders

Fidan Aliti - 7.5: An excellent defensive display. He won the vast majority of his duels and was a rock in the tackle, winning the ball back three times. He was aggressive, committed, and gave the Swiss attackers a really tough time. A standout performance at the back.

Lumbardh Dellova - 8.0: Our Man of the Match. What a performance this was. He was simply immense, winning 100% of his duels and making a crucial last-man tackle. He was also composed on the ball and even created a big chance going forward. An absolutely superb, complete defensive performance.

Amir Rrahmani - 5.5: A very difficult evening for the captain. He picked up an early yellow card and never looked comfortable. He was dribbled past and seemed a yard off the pace before being substituted after 72 minutes. A night he'll want to forget.

Mërgim Vojvoda - 7.0: A very good outlet on the flank. He was diligent with his defensive duties, recovering the ball seven times, and also created two chances for his teammates. He provided good balance to the team and put in a tireless shift.

Dion Gallapeni - 7.5: An absolute workhorse and a constant nuisance for the opposition. He won an incredible 10 duels and was so difficult to handle. His crossing was dangerous and he worked tirelessly for the team both in defence and attack. A fantastic all-action display.

Midfielders

Elvis Rexhbecaj - 6.5: A combative and tidy performance in the engine room. He worked incredibly hard, winning his tackles and keeping possession ticking over with 93% pass accuracy. He picked up a deserved yellow card for his troubles. A gritty, selfless display.

Florent Muslija - 8.0: The hero of the hour for Kosovo. His goal was a thing of beauty, an unstoppable strike from distance that earned his team a point. Beyond the goal, he was a creative force, passing the ball with precision and always looking to make something happen. A brilliant, game-changing performance.

Veldin Hodza - 6.0: He struggled to get involved in the game during his 62 minutes on the pitch. He lost all his duels and just couldn't impose himself on the midfield battle. An ineffective outing before being substituted.

Forwards

Fisnik Asllani - 6.0: It was a tough night for the young forward. He barely had a touch of the ball and found himself isolated against a strong Swiss defence. He was substituted just after the hour mark having made little impact on the proceedings.

Vedat Muriqi - 6.5: He put in a real shift up front, battling for every ball. While he didn't get any clear-cut chances himself, his hold-up play was decent and he created two chances for his teammates. A hardworking but ultimately frustrating evening for the striker.

Manager

F. Foda - 7.5: We were very impressed by his management. His team showed immense character to fight back from a goal down. His substitutions seemed to inject new life and energy into the side, which directly contributed to the equalizer. He set his team up to be resilient, and they delivered a well-earned point.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Dellova