Sweating player eligibility, Kosovo earns point in 1st competitive match

Hours before playing Finland in what would be his country's first competitive match as a FIFA member, Kosovo manager Albert Bunjaki didn't even know if he could count on a full team. Six players were stuck in limbo, unsure of whether FIFA would allow them to play for the debut nation Monday.

They had already represented other countries, and needed special notice to compete for Kosovo.

The last to receive clearance was Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Valon Berisha, who suited up for Norway as recently as June. And he was the one who eventually played the hero, stepping up to convert a penalty and give Kosovo a historic point in 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Official confirmation came for Kosovo as staff milled about a hotel lobby in Turku. A country that waited so long to be a part of world football's community had to wait a little longer.

Five of these players previously wore the red of neighbouring Albania, and even though Kosovo received status from FIFA in May, here they were sweating over a late decision from the governing body.

A whirlwind day, however, ended with something to celebrate.

Finland - ranked 61st by FIFA - took the lead in the 18th minute through Paulus Arajuuri. But the Kosovars dominated proceedings in the second half and finished with a greater chunk of the possession.

Remarkably, all six teams in Group I are tied on a single point. Most importantly, though, Kosovo has a team to field in officially recognised matches.

"I have my players, I know my team, it feels good," Bunjaki told the Guardian's Nick Ames.

Kosovo next hosts Croatia on Oct. 6, and visits Ukraine three days later.