⚽ Iceland vs. Kosovo: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Mar 23, 2025

📋 Match Preview

The Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain is the neutral ground for a crucial UEFA Nations League playoff second leg, as Iceland and Kosovo face off on Sunday.

Kosovo take a narrow 2-1 aggregate lead after a deserved home win on Thursday, and will be looking to make history by earning promotion to League B for the first time.

Iceland, meanwhile, must overturn their deficit in a match that also serves as Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s first home game in charge, albeit on foreign soil due to stadium renovations.

🔍 Team Analysis

🇮🇸 Iceland

A new era began with a defeat for Iceland under Arnar Gunnlaugsson, but the team showed moments of promise in Pristina – particularly through Orri Oskarsson, who scored their only goal.

That said, Iceland’s form in the Nations League has been dismal. Across four editions, they’ve only ever beaten Montenegro and now find themselves on the brink of relegation to League C.

📊 Current Form:

🏆 Last 6: ❌✅❌❌🤝❌
⚽ First leg result: 2-1 loss vs Kosovo

⭐ Key Players:

• Orri Óskarsson – Young striker with six goals in 12 caps at age 20.

• Albert Gudmundsson – Creative outlet with 10 goals for Iceland.

• Andri Gudjohnsen – Versatile forward who provides depth and experience.

🚑 Unavailable:

❌ Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alfons Sampsted, Arnor Sigurdsson, Daniel Gretarsson (all absent from the squad)

🔍 Tactical Setup:

Iceland typically line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Oskarsson leading the line and veteran Aron Gunnarsson organising from the back.

🇽🇰 Kosovo

Franco Foda’s men come into this second leg with confidence, knowing a draw will be enough to seal promotion.

Kosovo are on a five-match winning run in the Nations League (completed fixtures), with improved defensive displays and goal-scoring threat across the pitch.

📊 Current Form:

🏆 Last 6: ✅✅❌✅✅✅
⚽ First leg result: 2-1 win vs Iceland

⭐ Key Players:

• Elvis Rexhbecaj – Midfield engine who scored his first international goal in the first leg.

• Vedat Muriqi – Record scorer with 28 international goals.

• Milot Rashica – Creative winger with strong club and country pedigree.

🚑 Unavailable:

❌ Valon Berisha – Suspended
🧤 Arijanet Muric – Reliable in goal, backed by strong defensive leadership from Amir Rrahmani

🔍 Tactical Setup:

Foda prefers a 4-2-3-1, with Rashica and Rrudhani supporting Muriqi up top. Kosovo look to hit quickly on the counter and press high when without the ball.

🤝 Head-to-Head History

📆 Mar 20, 2025 – 🇽🇰 Kosovo 2-1 Iceland 🇮🇸
📆 Sep 2022 – Friendly: Iceland 2-2 Kosovo
📆 Jan 2020 – Friendly: Kosovo 1-1 Iceland

🔹 Kosovo are unbeaten in their last three vs Iceland
🔹 Iceland have not won a Nations League game against a team other than Montenegro

🎯 Prediction (Goal.mu / Mauri.bet)

⚽ Prediction: Iceland 1-1 Kosovo (Kosovo win 3-2 on aggregate)

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Iceland’s attacking intent might earn them a goal, but Kosovo’s discipline, momentum, and confidence make them the favourites to secure promotion.

💰 Betting Tips

📌 Both Teams to Score: Yes ✅

• Iceland scored in the last three meetings.

• Kosovo have scored in five straight UNL games.

📌 Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals ✅

• Second legs are usually tense and tight.

• Kosovo need only a draw to progress.

📌 First Goalscorer: Vedat Muriqi ✅

• Kosovo’s all-time leading scorer.

📌 Half-Time Result: Draw ✅

• Only one of Iceland’s last 11 games was goalless at half-time. Expect cagey early exchanges.

🧮 Possible Lineups

🇮🇸 Iceland (4-2-3-1):

🧤 Valdimarsson
🛡️ Palsson – Gunnarsson – Ingason – Tomasson
⚙️ Johannesson – Haraldsson
🔥 Thorsteinsson – Gudmundsson – Gudjohnsen
🎯 Oskarsson (C)

🇽🇰 Kosovo (4-2-3-1):

🧤 Muric
🛡️ Vojvoda – Rrahmani – Dellova – Paqarada
⚙️ Demaku – Rexhbecaj
🔥 Krasniqi – Rashica – Rrudhani
🎯 Muriqi

🏟 Match Details

📅 Match Date: March 23, 2025
🏟 Venue: Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain
⏰ Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM UK Time

🔍 Final Verdict

This second leg promises plenty of drama with Iceland needing to chase the game, but Kosovo will arrive full of belief after an impressive run of Nations League results.

It may not be the most open affair, but expect a tactical, spirited showdown in southern Spain.

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