Match Analysis: Cyprus vs. Kosovo
Match Information
– Date and Time: 9 September 2024 at 16:00 UTC
– Stadium: AEK Arena
– Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
– Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)
Head-to-Head Analysis
– Kosovo 5-1 Cyprus (UEFA Nations League 2022-2023, September 2022)
– Cyprus 0-2 Kosovo (UEFA Nations League 2022-2023, June 2022)
Kosovo has dominated the two recent encounters, comfortably winning both matches.
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Recent Form
Cyprus
– Last match: Won 1-0 against Lithuania (UEFA Nations League)
– Previous results: Mixed performances with notable wins against San Marino (4-1) and Lithuania (1-0) but heavy losses against stronger teams like Spain (0-6) and Norway (0-4).
Kosovo
– Last match: Lost 0-3 to Romania (UEFA Nations League)
– Previous results: Struggling in recent friendlies and Euro 2024 qualifiers, including losses to Norway (0-3), Hungary (0-2), and a mixed form with notable win against Andorra (3-0).
Predicted Lineups
Cyprus (4-3-3)
– Goalkeeper: Joel Mall
– Defenders: Nikolas Ioannou, Andreas Karo, Kostakis Artymatas, Anderson Correia
– Midfielders: Grigoris Kastanos, Hector Kyprianou, Alexander Gogic
– Forwards: Ioannis Pittas, Marinos Tzionis, Grigoris Kastanos
Kosovo (4-2-3-1)
– Goalkeeper: Arijanet Muric
– Defenders: Fidan Aliti, Amir Rrahmani, Mergim Vojvoda, Valon Berisha
– Midfielders: Leart Paqarada, Florent Muslija
– Attacking Midfielders: Milot Rashica, Edon Zhegrova, Donat Rrudhani
– Forward: Vedat Muriqi
Strengths and Weaknesses
Cyprus
– Strengths: Recent confidence-boosting wins; home advantage.
– Weaknesses: Vulnerabilities against stronger opposition; defensive lapses.
Kosovo
– Strengths: Solid attacking options with players like Milot Rashica and Vedat Muriqi; good past performance against Cyprus.
– Weaknesses: Inconsistent recent form; defensive weaknesses when under pressure.
Predicted Key Players
Cyprus
– Ioannis Pittas: Goal-scoring forward who could be crucial in breaking through Kosovo’s defense.
– Grigoris Kastanos: Playmaking capabilities in the midfield, crucial for creating chances.
Kosovo
– Vedat Muriqi: Strong forward presence; capable of converting opportunities into goals.
– Milot Rashica: Quick and creative winger who can exploit Cyprus’ defensive weaknesses.
Weather Impact
Conditions in Larnaca are expected to be warm, favoring an energetic game that might test the endurance of both teams.
Prediction
Given Cyprus’ home advantage and recent form, they might put up a stronger fight compared to previous encounters with Kosovo. However, considering Kosovo’s past dominance over Cyprus and their better attacking options, the match is likely to be competitive.
– Result: Draw
– Score Prediction: Cyprus 1-1 Kosovo
– Potential Goal Scorers: Ioannis Pittas (Cyprus), Vedat Muriqi (Kosovo)
This prediction accounts for the recent form of both teams and their head-to-head performance, suggesting a balanced outcome.
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