Iceland vs Kosovo
Kosovo carry the lead after winning 2-1 at home, and now the fixture concludes in Iceland, where the home team must win.
Iceland played a good game in Kosovo, had more significant chances, more passes within the team and you could say control of the match. Yet, Kosovo found the goals. It was not surprising because Kosovo are known to be a solid home team. Playing in Reykjavik at around 0 degrees and wind, is something most teams do not enjoy, except Iceland. Kosovo will have to suffer physically and mentally for 90 minutes here, it wont be the game for short passes or fancy combinations, which usually would benefit a more technical team like Kosovo. Iceland will be more direct, more physical and likes to be direct in their box entries. With some x-factor players like Oskarsson, Gudmundsson, and a thrive for "battling", this is a match that will fit the team well in front of the home crowd.
Kosovo will have to play against their own instincts here. They are an offensive minded team, but have to control the result, which will allow Iceland to progressively take things over naturally as time goes on to chase that goal, while Kosovo goes lower. In this scenario, the Icelandics are heavy to deal with. Tactical and individual discipline will be important, and that is not something Kosovo are very strong at.
Conclusion: Immediately when the final whistle blew in Kosovo, I was curious of the odds of Iceland in the return leg. I am happy with those odds, because I could see their positive match, and it is never easy to play on the windy Island. I think they win here.