World Cup 2018: Kosovo's dream -- and the brothers divided by duty

As children, the Berisha brothers would imagine which of the world's biggest football clubs they would play for, and bring their dreams to life on the school playground.

Little did they know then that, as adults, they would sit together deep in thought, pondering which nation they would represent.

The son of Kosovar-Albanian immigrants, but born in Sweden, Valon Berisha had already established himself as a regular in Norway's national team, representing the country where he grew up.

By the time Kosovo's dream of playing for a place in the World Cup was realized in May 2016, his younger brother Veton had also broken into the Norway senior squad.

Should they stick? Or should they twist? For Valon, 23, and Veton, 22, it was one of the most difficult decisions they had ever faced.

"This was huge -- not only for us but for our family," Valon told CNN. "It wasn't just about our careers but about what was best for everyone, because we both played for Norway."

The brothers sat and talked it out. Valon was not just a bit-part player for Norway, the midfielder had won 20 international caps.

Veton, a forward with German second division side Greuther Furth, went down the same path, winning caps at every junior level before graduating to full international honors.

In the end, the brothers did what they thought was best -- they gave back to both countries.

"It was hard," Valon said. "I am and always will be hugely grateful to Norway -- it's the country which I grew up in and helped me.

"But I feel a connection to Kosovo. So we decided that I would go to play for Kosovo and he would stay with Norway.

"Veton is staying to help the country we grew up in, and I wanted to help a young country make its way."