Andorra will host Israel on Tuesday with both teams out of contention for a spot in Euro 2024. With just two points from their nine games in the group, the host team is ranked last in Group I. Israel is ranked third and will receive a seed in the UEFA Nations League B playoffs. This is despite no longer being able to qualify for the European Championship next summer through this group.
Preview (Andorra vs. Israel)
Given that Andorra has never advanced to a major event final, it is not surprising that they have had little success in this group, finishing last with two points from nine games. The team led by Koldo Alvarez has only scored three goals and given up eighteen in this category. They come into this game having suffered four straight defeats against Belarus, Kosovo, Switzerland, and Romania. Andorra will have one more chance to win this campaign. They have only previously triumphed only one European Championship qualification match. It occurred during their bid to qualify for Euro 2020.
A victory on Tuesday night would be a major accomplishment for Andorra. They haven’t truly triumphed since defeating Liechtenstein in the UEFA Nations League in September of 2022. Israel, on the other hand, will go into this encounter fresh off a 2-1 loss at home to Romania. It extended their winless streak to three games in this qualifying round. In their nine group games, the Chosen Team has won three, drawn three, and lost three. With 12 points, they are now in third place, seven points behind Switzerland in second place. It would be an enormous accomplishment for Israel if they could guarantee a spot in Germany. They have never made it to the European Championship finals.
Team News
Head coach Alvarez is unlikely to make major changes in this match because Andorra did well against Belarus last time out and has not reported any injury issues. Aaron Sanchez might replace Cucu, who played the opening 66 minutes of the match against Belarus if there is a change in the latter third of the field. With five goals, Marc Vales leads the team in scoring. The 33-year-old should start the game in defense, with captain Marco Vieira, 39, assuming the midfield role.
Prior to this match, Israel had neither an injury nor a suspension concern. Though Tai Baribo, who has three goals for his nation, may now be brought on in the last third of the pitch, vice-captain Eran Zahavi, who has 34 goals to his name, is expected to lead the line once more. Dor Turgeman might get another opportunity to show off his skills in a forward role, while the young forward Oscar Gloukh—who is strongly connected to several big European clubs—should start for the visiting team.
Andorra 0 – 2 Israel
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