Greece to see their group out in style vs Kosovo

Greece have nothing to play for

Group B has been pretty much settled now since Greece recorded back-to-back defeats against both Spain and Sweden, games which, if they won, they would've had a shot at the top two. But it wasn't to be, and Greece miss out on World Cup qualification once more. Only losing twice in these group stages is impressive, but when those two losses come against the two nations they'd ideally be competing against for a qualification spot, then it's even more damaging to their chances of making it to the finals. Not scoring in either losses to Sweden and most recently Spain has been an issue for The Pirate Ship. On Thursday, their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain thanks to a Pablo Sarabia penalty in the first half, was a game where Greece got of lightly really. Having just one shot on target at home, as well as a dismal 27% possession indicated that John van't Schip's side are still a few gears away from the very top sides in European football, and their road back to the top will still take some time. They did beat Sweden at home in this campaign however. Back in early September, a 2-1 win showed that Greece really do have the potential to grind out results, but not at the consistency which means they'll qualify this year.

Kosovo; a nation with untouched potential?

Kosovo are a footballing nation that genuinely fascinates me. They're a nation that has only been independent since 2008, and played their first games post-independence in 2010. In footballing terms, they're Europe's baby. Despite this, they're a national football team on the rise. In the past two years, they've recorded some impressive results. Drawing to Denmark, beating the Czech Republic and putting three goals past England in Euros qualifying have been their standout performances in recent years. But these World Cup qualifiers have seen the visitors struggle. They prop up Group B, sitting three points behind Georgia after losing at home to them 2-1 in October. Despite a Vedat Muriqi penalty, the Kosovans succumbed to their fifth loss of these group stages, despite dominating the match. Last time against Greece, they frustrated them in Kosovo, claiming a point in a 1-1 draw. This game was arguably their best in a qualification stage that has been far from easy. While I think they're a nation with real potential to make it to major tournaments, their time will have to wait. With top players all across Europe coming from Kosovo, with the likes of Vedat Muriqi, Milot Rashica and Amir Rrahmani among many others all plying their trade in the top five leagues, the quality in depth isn't quite there yet.

Despite the valiant point that Kosovo claimed against Greece last time out, Kosovo have been on a downward spiral ever since and lack the quality that Greece possess. Especially at home, Greece will want to finish off these qualifiers with a win and will be determined to get one over on Kosovo after last time. That's why I'm backing Greece to win with bet365.

Bet Greece to win on Bet365