Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
San Marino
Match Time & Date:
31/03/2021
20:45
Prediction: 0-2
Albania
As expected, San Marino were beaten by England and Hungary in the first two group games. The minnows continue to serve as a cannon fodder for their Group I rivals, and given their nine-match goalless run in all competitions, home win should not be considered. All Rossi, Fabbri, Lunadei, and Battistini are one yellow card away from suspension. Albania, on the other hand, did well to beat Andorra in their opener, but they were not capable of matching England at the weekend.
The Albanians, though, will not have a better chance than this to get back on course, and we are positive that they will pick up all three points from Wednesday’s qualifier. Even though defender Klaus Gjasula is sidelined through suspension, we are tempted to put our money on the Albanians, who defeated San Marino 3-0 in the previous meeting between the two national teams.
Highlighted Player (Elseid Hysaj):
Born on 2nd February 1994, Elseid Hysaj is an Albanian defender who has spent his entire professional career in Italian Serie A and he is predicted a bright future in the game. Empoli scouts spotted his talent while he was playing for Shodra youth sides, and after three years in the youth team, the full-back was promoted to the first team set up.
Hysaj performed really well in his first three years as a first team regular, helping the Azzurri gain promotion to the top fight in the process. One season in Serie A proved enough for the right-sided defender to secure a big club move as he joined Napoli in the summer of 2015 and immediately nailed down a regular starting berth.
Capable of doing dirty defensive work as well as making forward runs, Hysaj is a modern full-back, who is destined for big things. The talented footballer is already a key member of the Albania national team and he will represent the country at the Euro 2016 finals.
Highlighted Team (Albania):
The Albanian national football team has represented the country on international stage since 1946, and it is interesting to note that Albania was one of the founding members of UEFA back in 1954. The Eagles have enjoyed very little success in the 20th century, but they managed to show some improvement at the turn of the century and eventually secured their first ever appearance at a major tournament.
Albania qualified for the Euro 2016 finals as they came second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, taking 14 points from 8 matches, with Italian coach Gianni De Biasi at the helm. The Eagles have never qualified for the World Cup finals in 11 attempts, winning mere 14 of 94 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Lazio defender Lorik Cana has worn the captain’s armband over the last few years and he is Albania’s most capped player, while former Chievo forward Erjon Bogdani still holds the record for most goals for the national team, with 18 strikes in 74 appearances.
Man City 
Everton
Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 
Chelsea 
Fulham
Newcastle 
Aston Villa 
Nottingham Forest 
Tottenham
Southampton 
West Ham 
