The Israel National Team played Kosovo to a disappointing 0-0 draw on Saturday at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, in the fifth round of the UEFA Nations League as the blue-and-white remaining winless in the campaign after five matches.

Ran Ben Shimon’s side had a golden opportunity to secure all three points, particularly after the hosts were reduced to ten men in the second half. However, Israel failed to take advantage of its numerical superiority and had to settle for just one point. For the blue-and-white this was a draw that felt like a defeat, leaving them in an especially difficult position in their fight to remain in League B.

The match began with Kosovo dominating possession and looking more dangerous in the opening minutes. Edon Zhegrova came close to scoring with a shot that narrowly missed the post, while Daniel Peretz was later forced to save a dangerous effort from Milot Rashica.

As the first half progressed, Israel grew into the game and began creating opportunities of its own. Idan Toklomati led a counterattack and found Oscar Gloukh, whose effort forced a save from the Kosovo goalkeeper. Later, the Ajax midfielder sent a free kick over the crossbar. Shortly before the break, Kosovo threatened again when Lindrit Kamberi headed against the crossbar following a corner kick.

In the second half, Israel attempted to increase the pressure and find the breakthrough. The team’s best opportunity came when Niv Yehoshua played a long ball to Gloukh on the left wing. Gloukh then found Liel Abada inside the penalty area, but the winger’s first-time shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

The moment that was supposed to change the match came when Veldin Hodza received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Kosovo with ten players. Despite having a numerical advantage and the opportunity to claim their first victory of the campaign, Ben Shimon’s team could not find the back of the net and left the match with a tremendous sense of frustration.

Following the disappointing 0-0 draw, Israel remain bottom of the group with just three points and now need a miracle to avoid the League B relegation playoffs. Ben Shimon’s side must defeat Austria in the final matchday and hope for results that will allow them to overtake either Ireland or Kosovo. Goal difference could also prove decisive.

Additionally, as a result of the draw, Israel have officially been confirmed as a third-seeded team for the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying draw, having mathematically lost their chance of finishing in the top two positions in their Nations League group.

Israel will face Austria on Tuesday (21:45 Israel time) in Debrecen, Hungary, while Kosovo travel to Ireland at the same time. Those two matches will determine the final standings in the group.

Blue-and-white head coach Ran Ben Shimon said after the match, “The national team showed hard work, heart and commitment. We defended extremely well and in the second half we took a lot of risks. The conditions were not easy, but we did everything we could to win the game. If we had won 1-0, we would have been in a good position, but the playing conditions really made things difficult for us as well.”

“We really wanted to win this game. This is a fighting team that wants to succeed. We didn’t come here in a negative frame of mind. We did everything we could, but there were some unusual injuries that you don’t normally see in football. Some players were given their opportunity, and they took it in an incredible way.”

Kosovo head coach Franco Foda commented on his players’ performance, “We started very well. We didn’t take our chances in the first half and that affected our ability to come away with more than just one point. In the first half, we played exactly the way we wanted to. In the second half, when you’re playing with one man down, things become more difficult. Nevertheless, we still had a few more opportunities. Overall, I’m pleased with the players’ commitment.”

Dor Peretz reflected on the tough draw, “We had a good opportunity to get back into contention at home, especially after they received a red card. It was a difficult and challenging game, but we could have taken the lead and won. We’re continuing on our path.”

Speaking about his national team’s performance, he added:
“Kosovo are a great team, but we put in a very good performance and showed great commitment. I would have liked us to threaten their goal more, but we’re taking the positives from the game.”