North Macedonia v Kosovo
The Kosovo fairy tale
Just four years after becoming members of UEFA and FIFA, Kosovo stand on the threshold of a defining moment in their history, a mere two games from their first international tournament. Given their war-torn past and meagre resources, it would be an extraordinary achievement. Swiss coach Bernard Challandes has been recognised for the progress, recently revealing he turned down several lucrative job offers to remain in charge.
The Pandev factor
Every side needs a charismatic talisman and North Macedonia have one such emblematic figure in veteran Genoa forward Goran Pandev, who at the age of 37 is as committed to the North Macedonia cause as ever. A Champions League winner with Jose Mourinho’s Internazionale in 2009-10, he had intended to hang ups his boots this summer, but with Euro 2020 postponed because of the pandemic, has now opted for another season of action.
Goals, goals, goals
These are two sides with attacking invention and punch. North Macedonia boast the attacking-third talents of Pandev, Enis Bardhi (Levante), Elif Elmas (Napoli) and Ezgjan Alioski (Leeds United). Kosovo are similarly well-endowed, with the much-coveted Milot Rashica supported by Valon Berisha and Arber Zeneli (both with
Reims) and Dijon’s Bersant Celina. In contrast, neither side’s defence is rock-solid, so goals should ensue.
North Macedonia’s big-match temperament
In this part of the Balkans, they have a tradition for raising their game on the grand stage. They have twice drawn in England in competitive fixtures (2002 and 2006), drew with Netherlands home and away in World Cup 2006 qualifiers and have recorded impressive victories over neighbours Croatia and Serbia (in 2007 and 2012 respectively). They will need every ounce of that big-match temperament in order to reach their first major tournament.
Late to the party
Rumours are circulating that Challandes and company are about to strengthen their ranks with the addition of two Swiss-born players of Kosovan lineage. The pair are both fine prospects: Lausanne striker Andi Zeqiri spent a year in Juventus’ academy and scored nine goals in as many games for Switzerland’s U21s, while Sion playmaker Bastien Toma has also played for Swiss youth teams.