Fulham's new key defensive component David Affengruber scored his first goal for Austria as his side were able to defeat Kosovo in the Nations League.
Fulham defender David Affengruber scored his first goal for Austria as his side defeated Kosovo 3-1 in the Nations League.
Recalled to the starting lineup following a 3-1 win over Israel in the opening match of League B, Group 3 in the Nations League, Affengruber headed in his country’s first goal in the 23rd minute.
Schalke forward Junior Adamu added a second shortly before half-time, before former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka added a third shortly after the hour mark.
Affengruber’s perfect night was ruined, though, in the 81st minute, when the former Elche defender brought down Valmir Matoshi in the box.
Affengruber was shown a yellow card for that challenge and Edon Zhegrova made no mistake from the resulting penalty to remove Austria’s clean sheet for the second match running.
Since he arrived in West London, Affengruber has made a massive impression on Fulham fans, with his tenacity at the back helping the Cottagers keep a clean sheet against Liverpool at Anfield and come very close to doing the same in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
He will be key for the Cottagers in their important block of fixtures after the international break, in which Fulham face Ipswich, Hull and Coventry in consecutive matches.
Affengruber will be hoping to make an impression on Austria’s remaining matches against Ireland in Dublin and against Kosovo on the road in Pristina, as his nation looks to seal promotion to League A.
Austria sit top of League B, Group 3 after two matches, as the only team to have won both of their matches in that group.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Joachim Andersen enjoyed a comfortable evening for Denmark, as his side defeated Wales 2-0 in League A, Group 4.
After defeat to Norway, it was a welcome victory for the Danes, as they look to at the very least maintain their place in the top division of the Nations League.
They now sit third in Group 4, which would be enough to do just that, sitting behind Norway, who also have three points, after they were unable to prevent Portugal from winning 2-1 in Oslo.
Erling Haaland scored once again for Norway, but goals either side of that from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, were enough to see Portugal go top with six points in a team that contained former Cottager Joao Palhinha and, perhaps with the end of an era nigh, not Cristiano Ronaldo.
