Steep learning curve for Gibraltar in defeat at hands of Kosovo

Gibraltar’s first ever World Cup qualifier was played in a near-empty stadium in Kosovo. The historic occasion was not to pass the players by without significance. After years of waiting since Gibraltar’s entry into FIFA, women’s football had finally been given its chance to compete in a World Cup qualifier. For many players before this week’s match, the opportunity came too late. Nevertheless, the work done by the many women who had come through the ranks to reach this day brought about what was hoped would be a new era for women’s football.

Still an amateur game for women, with no professional teams in Gibraltar and clubs outside the European competitive arena, the dream of playing to qualify for a World Cup became a reality this Tuesday.

For the first time stepping out into an official competitive match managed by a female coach, former Croatian international Stella Gotal, there was a new dynamic air around the team. Following a philosophy adapted to the small pool of players, and having prepared since September for their first match against Kosovo, expectations were nevertheless realistic. Learning and development were the main focus, alongside a new belief born from having played in the Nations League. As debutants in the competition, they had little to lose.

Kosovo, with two wins and a draw in their last five internationals, although entering UEFA and FIFA at the same time as Gibraltar, had more experience at women’s international level, having entered competitions almost immediately after becoming members.

It was a young Gibraltar team, with players as young as 15 within their ranks.

The group matches had already started earlier that morning, with Croatia beating Bulgaria 1-0 in Sofia.

Kosovo kicked off showing how well they could maintain possession from early on. A somewhat nervy start for Gibraltar saw Kosovo playing deep into their half. The Gibraltar side kept a disciplined line, mainly chasing the ball before the first goal arrived. After three minutes, a corner was flung into the six-yard box and flicked past defenders at the front post by Biqjak. It was the type of start Gibraltar had hoped to prevent but were unable to do so.

Guided from the touchline by coach Gotal, Gibraltar maintained their composure to prevent Kosovo gaining a further foothold on the scoreline. Although in the opening ten minutes Gibraltar struggled to find any fluidity in possession, they regrouped well and settled into a defensive posture, pressing high and preventing Kosovo from advancing too deeply.

A strong, physical and experienced Kosovo side commanded possession.

After 12 minutes Kosovo beat the offside trap but saw Memeti head wide with only the keeper to beat. Just a minute later, Memeti was denied by Robba, who went down well to block before being assisted by her defenders to clear the danger.

As they moved past the first quarter-hour of play, Gibraltar were already gaining confidence, intercepting passes and keeping Kosovo momentarily in the middle third. Keeper Robba did well to act as a sweeper, coming out to clear long balls over the defence.

Gibraltar struggled to find the final ball to their front players with twenty minutes played. Their first chance came in the 21st minute when Joelle Gilbert beat the Kosovo keeper to the chase. However, the keeper did enough to close the angle and force Gilbert, already stretching, to direct her shot wide.

That opportunity provided Gibraltar with a confidence boost, knowing they could cause damage given half a chance.

An injury to Robba caused momentary concern as she was treated by physios, giving Gibraltar respite and a quick opportunity for Gotal to speak to her team.

Kosovo found a through ball past the defence with Tania Gilbert the lone defender facing two attackers. Sahiti scored Kosovo’s second after 25 minutes.

Although Gibraltar had done well to halt Kosovo’s advances, the effort was significant. When caught out, they struggled to chase back and found it difficult defending corners. Two blocks on the goalmouth and a great save from Robba denied Kosovo a quick third. Three consecutive corners followed, and Gibraltar were fortunate not to concede, with another free header missing the target. Kosovo’s physical advantage in height and experience saw Gibraltar struggle defending dead-ball situations.

Gibraltar regrouped and closed down space to slow Kosovo’s pace. Although lacking fluidity in passing, often clearing rather than retaining possession, they halted what had looked like a surge towards a third goal.

Already aware of the level they would face in the qualifiers, with a format similar to the Nations League, Kosovo provided a steep learning curve in highlighting the gap between the two sides. As debutants in the World Cup qualifiers — only their second official competitive tournament — and with players still operating in a developing amateur environment, Gibraltar’s first-half effort had many positives, particularly in attitude and aptitude. It also clearly illustrated the lessons still to be learned at this level.

Ranked close to one hundred places above Gibraltar, Kosovo (92) saw the ball crash against the woodwork before being cleared off the line in the 43rd minute. Gibraltar, ranked 189, did not panic under sustained pressure from a side seeking a commanding win.

The first half ended with Kosovo leading 2-0.

Kosovo started the second half strongly with an early corner, but it was met by an equally strong defensive posture from Gibraltar.

Three minutes in, Joelle Gilbert ran at the defence, reaching the byline and putting a ball across goal, unfortunately with no one there to convert. Kosovo responded with a quick counter, blocked well by Robba, who came out decisively.

With night falling over the stadium, Gibraltar looked more settled, with less urgency and panic than seen at times in the first half.

Offensive passes were now more measured, seeking teammates rather than being punted forward. Players such as Chapman and Gilbert had greater opportunity to test Kosovo’s defence with their pace. Kosovo, meanwhile, sat deeper protecting their lead.

Organised defensively, Gibraltar had halted Kosovo’s earlier dominance approaching the hour mark. However, lacking the link between defence and attack, they struggled to build fluid forward play and often lost possession quickly. As the match evolved, so too did Gibraltar’s adaptation and growing confidence as they set their own benchmark on the pitch.

Kosovo nevertheless found the net for a third time with their first shot of the second half. In the 62nd minute, Uka received the ball at the edge of the box with her back to goal, turned unexpectedly and smashed it into the top corner — a moment that surprised a Gibraltar side who had seemed to have contained them.

Minutes later, Gibraltar wasted a free-kick opportunity, with the Kosovo keeper collecting comfortably. Kosovo responded with an effort that struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced out, before another attempt was lobbed just over following desperate defending.

In the 68th minute Schilling blocked a run into the penalty area with a slide tackle. Kosovo earned four consecutive corners, all well defended. Having struggled in the first half, Gibraltar’s defence showed quick learning in forcing Kosovo to work harder from dead-ball situations.

Kosovo captain Memeti, instrumental in commanding midfield, won a chase and rounded Robba to score in the 72nd minute, making it 4-0 with twenty minutes still to play.

Full of confidence, Kosovo weaved passes together against a tiring Gibraltar side to make it five just four minutes later, Fetaj scoring.

Stella Gotal introduced teenagers Lima and Popham, highlighting Gibraltar’s youthful squad and its potential to develop together over the next five to ten years.

Still in their infancy, with much to learn at club and international level, Gibraltar faced a side boasting players competing in leagues such as Germany, and several with over 40 international caps — among them Biqjak with 60.

Fetaj added a sixth in the closing minutes. Gibraltar found a final breath to defend resolutely as they tried to limit the scoreline, the differences in fitness evident.

There was concern in the final moments as Viagas limped away from a tackle. With Gibraltar set to play their first home qualifier on Saturday, Schilling and Victor were also rested, giving teenagers Toderan and Bush the opportunity to feature in the closing minutes. Both were immediately involved, defending well.

The match ended three minutes after the 90, with Kosovo securing a 6-0 victory.