The Grand Final – Kosovo Is Ready

On Tuesday evening, Kosovo will play its most important match.

At “Fadil Vokrri” at 20:45, Kosovo and Turkey will decide which of them will play in the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Kosovo will hold its final training session today at 11:00.

Foda: The chances are 50-50

Statements by Kosovo coach Franco Foda at the press conference ahead of the match against Turkey.

“The Turkish team is very strong. It has individual players such as Yildiz, Guler and Çalhanoglu. It has many quality players, but we also have quality. The chances are 50-50; we will do everything possible and give everything to win the match.”

Foda says Kosovo is also prepared for penalties

“I cannot predict how long tomorrow’s match will last. It could go to 120 minutes and there could be penalties. The important thing is that we are prepared for every scenario.”
 

Foda: We know Turkey’s strengths and weaknesses

“I will not reveal the tactics today. We know Turkey’s strengths, but also its weaknesses. The important thing is that tomorrow we perform according to our ideas. The Turkish team is strong. It is important that we stay compact. What matters is that when we have the ball, we immediately launch a counterattack.”

Foda talks about the great enthusiasm in Kosovo

“There is no doubt that you can see this is a very important event. There have never been so many journalists. It is very important for both Kosovo and Turkey.
We are playing for the World Cup. This is a chance that comes once. It is good that there is euphoria, but it is important to keep a cool head and stick to the game plan. But it is also good to be motivated.”

Foda compares the achievement with Austria to the one with Kosovo

“The achievement of reaching the European Championship with Austria is very different from this. Back then, we also expected to qualify, but it was not guaranteed. Nevertheless, it was a completely different situation. When I took charge of Kosovo, the aim was to qualify for the European Championship. But recent developments have brought us to the brink of the World Cup. And yes, it will be something very significant for my career.”

Foda explains what is important for Kosovo

“We conceded few goals in qualifying. The match against Slovakia was one with a lot of attacking.
Tomorrow we have to stay compact and make improvements in defense. It is important that the defense functions and that we immediately launch counterattacks. It is important that we are playing at home and pursue success.”
 

Muriqi: The key moment since Independence

“I always say I don’t care about scoring lots of goals, as long as the team wins. I don’t care at all; I hope I don’t score tomorrow either, and that we just win … Not only for me, but for the whole country, this could be our country’s greatest joy since Independence. I strongly believe in a win tomorrow and hope we can achieve success,” Muriqi said.

“Emotionally, I feel different. I developed as a footballer there, and I have a lot of respect for the Turkish national team, but tomorrow is different because I am playing for my national team. I continue to respect our opponents, but I will do everything I can to help us qualify as a country for the World Cup,” Muriqi said.

Muriqi: The atmosphere is excellent; we are very hopeful of success

“We have experience in matches like this. I am proud to be captain of this team in the national team’s historic final. The atmosphere is exceptionally good, excellent. Tomorrow we are very hopeful of success.”