Following the UEFA Nations League draw in Brussels, Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson commented on Group B3, which includes his team alongside Kosovo, Austria, and Israel.
The Icelandic coach described the group as very strong and challenging for all participating national teams, singling out Kosovo’s recent form in particular.
“It’s an interesting group. It will be difficult for us; we have strong opponents. And even Kosovo, which was the lowest-ranked team in our group, has had a truly impressive run from their last 15 matches, with two losses, two draws, and 11 wins,” Hallgrímsson said on Thursday immediately after the draw.
“So it really is an impressive run,” he added.
The Irish coach’s analysis shows that Kosovo is no longer viewed as an easy opponent on the international stage. Although ranked lower in the FIFA standings compared to Austria and Ireland, the recent form of the “Dardanians” has drawn the attention of all teams in the group.
Hallgrímsson’s remarks confirm that Kosovo will enter this Nations League cycle with the respect earned through its recent results.
