Subject: NT Andorra's Newsletter

Hello Andorra community!

Thank you for choosing me as the national team coach. I'm starting this thread to provide regular updates about the team. I hope some of you will find it interesting.

Below is the match schedule for Season 72:
T2: Bolivia (friendly)
T3: Prathet Thai (WC qual. Group A)
T4: Perú (WC qual. Group A)
T5: Deutschland (WC qual. Group A)
T6: Portugal (WC qual. Group A)
T7: Danmark (WC qual. Group A)
T8: Ísland (friendly)
T9: Danmark (WC qual. Group A)
T10: Portugal (WC qual. Group A)
T11: Deutschland (WC qual. Group A)
T12: Perú (WC qual. Group A)
T13: Prathet Thai (WC qual. Group A)

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!
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Andorra Surprises Bolivia with a Narrow Victory in Preparation for World Cup Qualifiers

Week 2: Andorra vs Bolivia – 1:0 (0:0)
Stadium: Principat d’Andorra Stadium, Attendance: 8,882

Andorra celebrated a hard-fought victory against Bolivia in a match that served as a crucial preparation for the upcoming WC qualifiers. Despite their lower ranking (76th, compared to Bolivia’s 40th), Andorra defied the odds with a disciplined performance, securing a 1-0 win on home turf.

The game showcased the tactical prowess of Andorra, who employed a defensive 5-3-2 formation to counter Bolivia’s slightly stronger squad (average ratings: 70.2 for Andorra vs. 74.9 for Bolivia). Bolivia managed 10 shots compared to Andorra’s 9, but the hosts effectively limited their opponents' chances, making the most of their opportunities.

Starting XI – Andorra
Goalkeeper: Just Campos
Defenders: Pere Oliva, Eusebi Triquell, Crístian Abulí, Lari Auriola, Nicolau Puig-Arnal
Midfielders: Marià Pararols, Benet Salvà, Hèctor Alibert
Forwards: Martí Sot, Carles Jordana

Coach MTK recently revitalized the team by integrating younger talent. Among the new additions, debutant Pere Oliva delivered 90-minute performance at right-back, neutralizing Bolivia’s key winger, Romeo Bustamante. Additionally, Fèlix Casamitjana played 25 minutes as a substitute for Martí Sot o his debut.

Match Highlights
The first half saw a tactical battle, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Bolivia’s attempts were consistently thwarted by Andorra’s organized defense, while Andorra’s counterattacks lacked precision.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Andorra was awarded a penalty. Striker Carles Jordana held his nerve to score, sending the home crowd of 8,882 into jubilant celebration.

Goalkeeper Just Campos played a pivotal role in securing the win, displaying exceptional composure during Bolivia’s late-game push and maintaining a clean sheet.

General Comment
This victory marks an important milestone for Andorra, proving their ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents. Their disciplined and defensive approach against Bolivia sets a promising precedent as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. Several younger players were included in the wide 40-man squad, including some newcomers to the senior team: Joan Ramon Vagué (22 years old), Genís Acosta (23), Martí Sansa (24), Gustau Pean (26), Pere Oliva (26), Joaquim Gastó (26), Oleguer Boix (26), Bartomeu Ginestà (27), Renat Vilarrubla (28), Nàcor Seguí (28), Joni Mauri (28), and Fèlix Casamitjana (28)

With younger players like Oliva showing promise, Andorra’s efforts to rejuvenate their squad are beginning to pay off. This performance gives the team and their fans a renewed sense of hope for future challenges.
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Good start!

Good work :) !

Awesome highlights and super good job!

Continue pushing! <3

I'm glad you've read the article. I want to say that I appreciate the effort you put into developing the national team and players from Andorra.

Andorra Dominates Prathet Thai with a 4:0 Victory

Week 3: Prathet Thai vs Andorra – 0:4 (0:1)
Stadium: Prathet Thai Arena, Attendance: 32,563

Andorra’s victory was not only a testament to their skill but also a demonstration of their growing maturity as a team. The balance between solid defensive organization and clinical finishing in attack was evident throughout the match. With no goals conceded and a dominant performance on the road, the team showcased their potential to compete at a high level.

Andorra took control of the game from the start, demonstrating dominance in possession and creating numerous chances. The defensive line, led by Nicolau Puig-Arnal and Juli Major, kept Prathet Thai at bay, ensuring a clean sheet for the visitors. The 0:4 scoreline reflected Andorra’s efficiency and defensive solidity.

Starting XI – Andorra

GK: Just Campos
DEF: Pere Oliva, Crístian Abulí, Nicolau Puig-Arnal, Juli Major
MID: Benet Salvà, Ton Fernandes, Hèctor Alibert, Marià Pararols
ATT: Carles Jordana, Bartomeu Ginestà

Substitutes:

Oleguer Boix (12'), Lari Auriola (77'), Eusebi Triquell (70'), Renat Vilarrubla (84'), Joaquim Gastó (70')
Match Highlights

Striker Carles Jordana was the star of the evening, netting all four goals for Andorra in a display of clinical finishing. The attack was bolstered by an assist from Bartomeu Ginestà, who worked tirelessly alongside Jordana in the final third. Midfielder Ton Fernandes was pivotal in maintaining control of the midfield, showcasing exceptional energy and vision throughout the match. However, the victory was not without setbacks.

The victory was even more remarkable given the pre-match injuries that limited the manager's options. Key players such as Valeri Bernaus, Pere Joan Casal, Aitor Company, and Fred Obradors were unavailable, forcing adjustments in the starting lineup.

General Comment

Andorra’s dominance, high efficiency in front of goal, and defensive discipline were key takeaways from the match. With no goals conceded and a strong showing from key players, the team looks well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Andorra currently sits in second place in their qualifying group with a goal difference of 4-0 and three points. Their next opponent, Peru, suffered a heavy 0:7 defeat to Germany, setting the stage for a crucial matchup. Despite the positive result, there are challenges ahead. The absence of Just Campos and Benet Salvà for the next match against Peru will test the team’s depth and adaptability. Nevertheless, this performance is a significant confidence boost as Andorra looks to maintain momentum in their qualifying campaign.

Andorra No Match for Peru at Principat d'Andorra

Week 4: Andorra vs Peru – 0:4 (0:2)
Stadium: Principat d'Andorra, Attendance: 60,000

Starting XI – Andorra

GK: Oleguer Boix
DEF: Pere Oliva, Lari Auriola, Crístian Abulí, Nicolau Puig-arnal, Juli Major
MID: Hèctor Alibert, Gustau Pean, Ton Fernandes
ATT: Carles Jordana, Martí Sot

Substitutes:

Gaspar Guardiola (64'), Bartomeu Ginestà (65')

Match Highlights

Andorra, despite their solid effort, were unable to stand up to the clearly superior Peru team. Gustau Pean made his senior national team debut and played the entire match, showcasing his high activity throughout. Andorra had a few very good scoring opportunities, but their forwards were ineffective. Both teams employed high defensive lines, leading to an intense midfield battle. Peru ultimately won 0-4, leading 0-2 at halftime. Solid performances were noted from Gustau Pean, with his high activity, and Crístian Abulí, who led the defense. The only booking for Andorra was a yellow card for Nicolau Puig-arnal, who will now have to sit out the next match against Germany.

General Comment

Andorra was unable to field several key players due to injuries, including Ignasi Benaset, Just Campos, Pere Joan Casal, Aitor Company, Fred Obradors, Ventura Sucarana, and the suspended Marià Pararols. Following the match, Andorra holds the 3rd place in the group with 3 points and a goal difference of 4-4. Their next match is against Germany, who sit at the top of the group with a perfect record, having recently defeated Portugal 1-4. Facing such a formidable opponent will be a significant challenge.

good luck!!

Thanks! In the match against Germany, I will try to save some of the key players. I'm not really counting on points from this match anyway. The next one against Portugal is definitely more important.

Great victory!!

Enhorabona :)

Hey! That was an incredible match. As planned, several key players didn't play or played only a few minutes to save them for the next game. Additionally, there were three debuts in the senior national team (players aged 23, 26 and 28). I'll try to write more this evening. Feel free to read more then!
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Andorra's Victory Over Deutschland: A Historic Win at Deutschland Arena

Week 5: Deutschland vs Andorra – 4:5 (2:1)
Stadium: Deutschland Arena, Attendance: 60,000

Starting XI – Andorra

GK: Just Campos
DEF: Pere Oliva, Gaspar Guardiol, Crístian Abulí, Sebastià Ugalde, Eusebi Triquell
MID: Hèctor Alibert, Gustau Pean, Ton Fernandes
ATT: Carles Jordana, Bartomeu Ginesta

Substitutes:

Nàcor Seguí (60'), Benet Salva (65'), Marià Pararols (65'), Genís Acosta (70')

Match Highlights

On Saturday evening at the Deutschland Arena, before a full crowd of 60,000 spectators, the Andorra national team achieved a sensational victory over Deutschland, ending the match with a 4-5 scoreline. This victory earned Andorra three valuable points in the World Cup qualifiers. Despite being weakened by injuries to key players such as Fèlix Casamitjana, Pere Joan Casal, and Ignasi Benaset, the Andorran team displayed incredible determination and willpower.

The match was thrilling from start to finish. While the exact sequence of goals remains unknown, it is confirmed that Genís Acosta scored the decisive last goal in the 82nd minute, securing a 4-5 victory for Andorra. Marcel Jordana also made a significant contribution, scoring one of the earlier goals. Pararols provided an assist, and the team performed flawlessly in defense, effectively repelling the hosts' attacks.

Although Deutschland was the favorite and their status as the current world champion seemed to guarantee victory, Andorra surprised everyone with their solid defense and effective offense. The game took place in perfect weather conditions, with warm temperatures and a cloudless sky, which favored fast and spectacular football.

General Comment

Andorra's victory over Deutschland is one of the biggest surprises in these qualifiers. Despite the absence of several key players, the team showed their best side. The coach's decision to rest some players for the upcoming crucial match against Portugal proved to be the right one.

The debuts of Genís Acosta, Sebastià Ugalde, and Nàcor Seguí brought freshness and new opportunities to the team. Acosta, who scored one of the goals, proved in his first appearance that he deserves a place in the starting lineup.

Currently occupying third place in the qualifying group with six points and a goal difference of 9:8, Andorra looks forward to the next clash with Portugal with optimism. The victory over Deutschland has boosted the team's morale and demonstrated that they can compete with the best.

The next match against Portugal, the fifth team in the group, will be crucial for maintaining a good position in the standings. After a 3-0 victory over Prathet Thai, Portugal will undoubtedly present a tough challenge for Andorra. However, with such determination and team spirit, the Andorrans can hope for more positive results.
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Absolutely amazing work! A victory that surely no one expected, but that shows the potential we have. Let's continue!

Un treball absolutament increïble! Una victòria que segurament ningú s'esperava, però que mostra el potencial que tenim. Continuem!

Thank you! I see that your Youth School starts to release first players and you train Peret Mitjavila. Fingers crossed for his development.

Hi Everyone! Due to a crazy week, I'm only now posting the summary of the match against Portugal. I hope you'll forgive me.

Andorra’s Spirited Fight Against Portugal Ends in Defeat

Week 6: Andorra vs Portugal – 2:4 (1:4)
Stadium: Principat d'Andorra, Attendance: 47101

Starting XI – Andorra

GK: Campos
DEF: Oliva, Major, Abulí, Puig-arnal, Triquell
MID: Alibert, Salvà, Pararols
ATT: Jordana, Ginesta

Substitutes:

Guardiola (60'), Pean (70'), Vilarrubla (75'), Genís Acosta (75')

Match Highlights

On a rainy Saturday evening at the Principat d'Andorra Stadium, the home team battled Portugal in a World Cup qualifier that drew a crowd of 47,101 spectators, filling 78% of the stands. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Andorra showed both grit and determination, ultimately succumbing to a 2-4 defeat against a stronger Portuguese side.

Andorra, missing key players Fèlix Casamitjana, Ignasi Benaset, and Ventura Sucarana due to injuries, fielded a starting eleven led by Carles Jordana, who shone brightly with two well-taken goals. His clinical finishing and unyielding spirit kept the hosts in the game, while Crístian Abulí marshaled the defense with authority, and Benet Salvà orchestrated the midfield with relentless energy.

Portugal dominated the first half, racing to a 4-1 lead by halftime. The Andorran defense struggled to contain their opponents' attacking prowess, conceding four goals for the third consecutive match. However, the second half told a different story. Andorra, undeterred by Pere Oliva’s red card in the 49th minute, regrouped and showcased remarkable resilience. Jordana’s second goal and Pean’s contribution as a substitute, providing an assist, highlighted a much-improved performance.

The home side not only secured the second-half advantage with a 1-0 scoreline but also demonstrated the kind of fighting spirit that resonated with the supportive crowd. The absence of any injuries during the game was another small victory for the Andorrans.

General Comment

Facing a formidable Portuguese team, the hosts displayed commendable determination and teamwork, particularly in the second half. However, conceding four goals for the third consecutive match is a worrying trend that must be addressed if Andorra hopes to climb higher in the qualification standings.

Currently sitting in fifth place in their group with six points and a goal difference of 11-12, Andorra has shown flashes of brilliance but struggles to maintain defensive solidity. The team’s spirited response after halftime, coupled with standout performances from Jordana, Abulí, and Salvà, provides a foundation to build upon as they prepare for future matches. For now, the players and fans can take solace in a solid second-half display and a valiant effort against one of the giants of European football.
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