The draw for the play-offs between the different Nations League divisions was made this Friday in Nyon (Switzerland). Kosovo and Iceland will face each other in March.
If the Blues know the identity of their opponent, Croatia, this is also the case for all the other nations still involved in the competition. The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, this Friday, November 22. This dissipated the veil which hovered over the final phase of the League of Nations, just as much as over its dams in which certain residents of LOSC are entangled. These are Hakon Haraldsson, with Iceland, as well as Edon Zhegrova, offensive leader of Kosovo. Coincidence of fate, the two protégés of Bruno Genesio will face each other next March.
Defeated three times in a League B group made up of Wales, Turkey and Montenegro, Iceland concluded their campaign in third place, synonymous with play-offs to avoid relegation. In the opposite direction, Kosovo finished its race in second position in League C, and can still believe in its promotion to the next level. However, only one of these two nations will see their wish granted even though the draw has designated them as opponents. A real wink from destiny for Edon Zhegrova and Hakon Haraldsson, teammate on the LOSC side.
Optimism reigns
This duel, as soon as the draw was made, began on a mental level. The two nations, represented by their coach, showed all their confidence in their first media interventions.
“We are happy to be able to face Iceland. Personally, I've never been there, but I know they have a very strong staffunderlined Franco Foda, optimistic leader of Kosovo. We are also in very good shape and in very good condition. I think the odds are 50 to 50. Both teams have a chance. We will do everything to win and climb into League B”he said this Friday in a press release published by the Kosovar Football Federation (FFK).
Several thousand kilometers away, Åge Hareide, Icelandic coach, had identical ambitions:
“March will arrive quickly. It's a short distance in international football and I don't think there's much difference between most teams in Divisions B and Che judged thus, already trying to remobilize his troops. That said, it is important for us to keep our place in Division B and to do that we need to put in two good performances against a tough opponent. We have a good group of players and I hope everyone will be ready to play in March”he exclaimed in comments relayed by the Knattspyrnusamband Íslands.
