The final countdown to UEFA Euro 2024 has officially begun as we approach a string of highly anticipated international friendlies. Some of the nations that are playing this week are heading for the big tournament and others aren’t, but either way, it’s important for all of them to try and build some momentum. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the impending clash between Spain and Andorra.
Spain Form GuideRegardless of what their situation may be at any given moment, Spain should always be seen as a nation that is well and truly in the fight. They had their big run between 2008 and 2012 but now, they’ve got a brand new golden generation coming through. At this stage, it’s just a case of figuring out how they can maximise that, and whether or not they’ve got what it takes to win another major trophy.
For Spain, they had a pretty solid qualification campaign - outside of a surprising loss to Scotland. They topped Group A with seven wins and just one defeat and, perhaps more encouragingly, they scored 25 goals and only conceded five throughout their eight matches.
Andorra Form GuideAndorra are the definition of minnows at the international level. A win, or even a draw, is considered a valuable result for them, and their fanbase is well aware of that. They don’t have the resources necessary to compete with the elite right now and while the Nations League certainly helps the smaller countries, they’re a long way away from where they need to be.
While Andora may have finished bottom of their qualifying group, it wasn’t a total disaster by any stretch. They did lose eight of their ten games but they also picked up two draws and scored three goals which, by their standards, you’d have to say should be considered progress.
Match PredictionIn a game like this, the whole point is to do everything in your power to make an impact - but at the same time, there are far more important matches that lie ahead. Alas, there’s a clear gulf in quality between these two sides, which is one of the reasons why we’re going to back over 2.5 goals scored.