Austria secured a 3-1 victory over Kosovo in their UEFA Nations League, League B, Group 3 clash in Vienna on Sunday.
The hosts took control early and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when David Affengruber rose highest to head home Romano Schmid’s delivery.
Austria doubled their advantage just before half-time, with Junior Adamu finishing from Patrick Wimmer’s assist.
Austria continued to dictate the game after the restart and added a third goal in the 61st minute through substitute Carney Chukwuemeka, who calmly finished with his right foot following a well-worked move.
Kosovo were handed a route back into the contest when Austria conceded a penalty in the 83rd minute. Edon Zhegrova stepped up and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The visitors had earlier been forced to replace goalkeeper Arijanet Muric after he suffered an injury in the 65th minute, with Amir Saipi coming on in his place.
Austria remained composed in the closing stages, using their possession and aerial strength to prevent Kosovo from mounting a serious comeback.
The hosts finished with 11 shots, six of them on target, compared with Kosovo’s six shots and one effort on target.
Patrick Wimmer was influential for Austria, providing the assist for Adamu’s goal and creating three key chances.
He also recorded four successful tackles and 10 ball recoveries as the hosts maintained pressure on Kosovo.
The victory reflected Austria’s stronger attacking efficiency, with the hosts making better use of their chances and controlling important phases of the encounter to claim all three points.
