North Macedonia v Kosovo
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 withReims) and Dijon’s Bersant Celina.
In contrast, neither side’s defence is
rock-solid, so goals should ensue.4
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.5
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 inJuventus’ 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.WORLD SERVICE1
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.2
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 withJose
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.3
Goals, goals, goals
These are two sides with attacking
Veteran...North Macedonia’s Goran PandevRapid rise...Kosovo
surprised England in
a 5-3 defeat last year