Expert: Flora have good chances to advance, Paide face tough test
On Thursday, August 6, two Estonian clubs start their Conference League third qualifying round campaign. Flora are away to Andorran champions Inter, while Paide host Austrian side Rapid.
Two Estonian football clubs begin their Conference League third qualifying round campaign on Thursday, August 6. Tallinn's Flora will play away against Andorran champions Inter, while Paide will host Austria's Rapid at the A. Le Coq Arena.
Flora head coach Konstantin Vasiliev has noted that the Andorran opponents are a technical team that likes to keep possession and press aggressively. According to him, their style shows proximity to Spanish football, as they try to play with the ball and use a high press. 'This is a serious opponent who has been quite productive at home in European matches,' Vasiliev said. He stressed that much will depend on the opening minutes, expecting the hosts to try to impose a high tempo immediately. Reliable defending is essential for any team that wants to keep advancing in Europe, he added. 'It's one thing to watch videos, another to play against them on the pitch.'
Football expert Albert Prosa believes Flora remain Estonia's main hope of continuing in European competition. He rates their chances as 50-50, but says that if the team can defend without serious mistakes, their prospects of going through are good. Having the second leg at home is also an advantage. If they can bring an acceptable result from Andorra, even a draw, their chances at home will increase sharply.
Paide's task appears far more complicated. After eliminating Lithuania's Hegelmann and Azerbaijan's Zira, Tarmo Kink's team now face Austrian football grandees Rapid Vienna. According to Prosa, the favourite in this tie is obvious, though surprises are always possible in football. 'For Paide, this is probably a mission impossible. In football anything can happen, but their fine run will most likely end here.'
If Flora get past Inter, their playoff-round opponent will be the winner of the tie between Tre Fiori of San Marino and Drita of Kosovo. The winner of the Paide-Rapid tie will then face the losing side from the Europa League meeting between Portugal's Benfica and Scotland's Hearts. The return legs of the third round are scheduled for August 12 and 13.
