Kosovo – Andorra : Preview & Prediction
The off-field distractions surrounding the misuse of funds by the head of Kosovo’s soccer federation (FIFA rank 107) did not have the kind of “negative impact” that was widely feared after Saturday’s creditable 1-1 draw against Israel. Coach Alain Giresse was “satisfied with the result,” a draw that halted a run of three consecutive European knockout defeats while extending their recent unbeaten run (G1, E3) in all international clashes.
All-time leading scorer Vedat Muriqi hinted that the goal is to “finish the month with four points,” a goal they will achieve with a win against Andorra (FIFA ranking 153rd), the only other Group I nation outside the top 100 in the FIFA rankings. Such a result would keep them close to the automatic qualification places and, considering they have won two of their last three home Euro qualifiers (P1), Kosovo may be in the right place to start their campaign.
Andorra suffered the 59th defeat in their Euro qualifying history (G1, E1) in a 2-0 loss to Romania on Saturday, with a red card to Marc Rebés rubbing salt in the wounds. One could argue that Koldo Alvarez’s side did well to limit the damage and, perhaps encouragingly for the tiny country, have only been beaten by a margin of more than two goals just once in their last 12 matches.
While that might serve as a small confidence boost, it is surely cancelled out by the fact that Andorra have traditionally struggled away from home, accumulating just one point from their last 30 away Euro qualifiers (P29). That came from their last such clash (E 2-2 against Albania) and Andorra will likely aim to at least be part of the scoring as that match ended a streak of 13 Euro qualifiers without scoring when playing on foreign soil.
Players to watch: Milot Rashica’s assist for Kosovo on matchday one marked the fourth consecutive game with a contribution (two goals, two assists) for club and country. Berto Rosas could offer a glimmer of hope for the visitors, scoring Andorra’s first goal in their last official away win.
Key stat: Five of Andorra’s last ten Euro qualifying defeats have been by a 2-0 scoreline.
Kosovo – Andorra : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
