Florent Muslija and his teammates are determined to move even closer to a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup as they prepare to face Slovakia in the European play-offs, writes FIFA.com.
Muslija, who is on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf from SC Freiburg, started every match for Kosovo during the group stage of the European qualifiers, where Kosovo finished second in Group B behind Switzerland, leaving Sweden and Slovenia behind.
The 27-year-old midfielder and his teammates now face Slovakia on March 26 as they look to continue their journey towards the tournament that will take place in the US, Canada and Mexico. If they overcome this hurdle, their final opponents will be either Turkey or Romania.
Muslija was born in Germany and made five appearances for Germany U20 in 2018, before deciding to represent Kosovo in 2019, making his senior debut that same year. The attacking midfielder, who usually plays in central midfield or on the left wing, has now made 38 appearances and scored two goals for Kosovo. He spoke to FIFA earlier this month.
FIFA.com: How important is it to be in good form with your club when playing for your national team?
Florent Muslija: In international football, you are usually judged by whether you are playing regularly for the club. I have a good role in the team and have made good performances in recent matches. I hope to bring this form to the national team and even improve it.
FIFA.com: Is your role on the national team different from your club role?
Florent Muslija: There is no big difference. I see myself as a leader in Düsseldorf, but also in the national team, on and off the field. I am at an age where I have to take on more responsibility. Maybe the only difference is that in Düsseldorf we have a very young team, while in the national team we have many experienced players.
FIFA.com: What does Kosovo coach Franco Foda expect from you?
Florent Muslija: He wants me to take responsibility and he knows that I can be a decisive player in the match. I want to show that on the field. Of course he also asks for help in the defensive phase and I try to do my best to give the team stability and quality.
FIFA.com: How do you assess the qualifying campaign now that some time has passed?
Florent Muslija: It was a very positive campaign. We made some great performances and developed even more as a team. We have created a very united group and we support each other. The level has been consistently high and this is obvious to everyone. We want to continue in the same way and I believe we can do it.
FIFA.com: Does the only loss against Switzerland in the first match bother you?
Florent Muslija: These things happen in football. Luckily it was just that one match, otherwise we probably wouldn't be in the play-offs now. Unfortunately we didn't start that match well and lost it before half-time. However, we can be proud of what we have achieved. But our work is not over yet. We want to qualify for the World Cup and we will give everything to achieve this.
FIFA.com: You scored in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland. How does it feel to score for your country?
Florent Muslija: It's a very special feeling. The atmosphere in our stadium is always fantastic. Scoring for your country, especially such an important goal, gives you a lot of confidence and freedom in the game. It was a wonderful feeling.
FIFA.com: What are the team's strongest points?
Florent Muslija: We have become a very solid team and we play consistently. We are good in attack and we have improved a lot in defence. For example, in the matches against Sweden, we gave players like Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak almost no chance. We have very intelligent players in the game, both in defence and attack.
FIFA.com: Kosovo has shown that it can face stronger opponents. Do you see yourself as an "outsider"?
Florent Muslija: We are a small country. Opponents like Sweden, Switzerland or Slovenia probably don't worry too much about us. But we have a lot of heart, passion and quality in football. This is seen in the way we play. We have shown that we can face big teams and this says a lot about us and our country.
FIFA.com: The first challenge is Slovakia, then maybe Turkey or Romania. How do you see the chances?
Florent Muslija: We have to focus only on these matches, starting with Slovakia. We have to give everything. Each of us has to give 100%. We have to leave everything on the field and understand what a great opportunity this is for our country. If we do that, we have a good chance.
FIFA.com: What is the atmosphere like among the fans and what would it mean for the country if you qualify?
Florent Muslija: There is a lot of enthusiasm, both among the players and the fans and all the people in Kosovo and abroad. We know how important these matches are and of course we would make history for such a small country. It is a dream that we all have.
FIFA.com: If Kosovo qualifies, you would face Australia, Paraguay and the USA at the World Cup. How does that sound?
Florent Muslija: We don't need more motivation – we already feel it. It's an indescribable feeling when you think about the opportunity to play in the World Cup. The very thought of it pushes you to give your best and play football with soul.
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