La Roja face Kosovo this evening in Seville, in the third match of the qualification phase for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It’s an important game in building a strong run for Spain, following on from their last-gasp victory over Georgia at the weekend and, before that, a disappointing draw with Greece.
La Roja came into the international break in a good mood. They finished top of their group in the qualification phase for Euro 2020, five points clear of Sweden and nine clear of Norway.
They also finished top of their Nations League group, pipping Germany by two points and ending that campaign with a 6-0 evisceration of the runners-up in November at La Cartuja, the stadium they welcome Kosovo to tonight.
La Roja started well, dominating the ball if lacking penetration. That was, until, the 34th minute. That’s when Dani Olmo, Spain’s match-winner against Georgia at the weekend, stepped up to the plate to score his second goal in two games.
Así ha sido el cabezazo de Gerard Moreno para dar tranquilidad a la selección.
España 🇪🇸 3-1 Kosovo 🇽🇰pic.twitter.com/4mfUbK0x91— AquíHayDeporte (@Aquihaydeporte) March 31, 2021
Ferran Torres added their second just two minutes later, played in by Barcelona starlet Pedri, who was playing just his third game for Spain as a full international. That could be a link that bears a lot of fruit in the coming years for La Roja.
The game wasn’t over yet, however, and Kosovo struck back to potentially set up an interesting final 20 minutes. Besar Halimi was the man, scoring from some way out to make it 2-1. Their window of hope didn’t last long, however, with Gerard Moreno making it 3-1 shortly after with virtually his first touch to settle Spanish nerves and all but secure the victory.
