Sheffield Wednesday's Atdhe Nuhiu so nearly the fairytale hero for Kosovo in Czech Republic defeat

Handed official FIFA accreditation just three years ago, a win would have left them needing a draw against England on Sunday to qualify and the big forward gave Kosovo a dramatic lead in their must-win clash, the result of which leaves them only the backdoor route of play-off qualification for their first major tournament having won their UEFA Nations League group last year.

Chances were at a premium for the fairy tale Kosovans in a first half dominated by the hosts, Kosovo using Nuhiu as an adequate target man in the absence of injured Fenerbahce star Vedat Muriqi.

It was the Owls forward’s first competitive start for his country in nearly a year, but he looked every part the problem for the England-slaying Czechs, forcing his way between the lines time and again with Huddersfield full-back Florent Hadergjonaj – pushed further up the field for his country – for worthy company.

And it was the Terriers man that crossed from the left to find Nuhiu free in the box to head his side and supporters into pandemonium.

The Czechs roared back though and on balance had the better of the chances as Kosovo retreated. A Tomas Soucek goal was disallowed for the hosts just after the hour and signalled the opening of the floodgates. Minutes later, Alex Kral stepped through them, producing a classy 20-yard finish past Nottingham Forest keeper Arijanet Muric.

All that was left was for the Czech Republic to put qualification beyond doubt, then, and they did that thanks to Ondrej Celutska’s bundled effort with ten minutes to go.

It leaves Nuhiu’s Kosovo looking forward to an exhibition match with England in Pristina on Sunday, with all eyes edging towards those play-offs in March.