Andorra and Rodrigo primed to surprise

To many independent observers Andorra coach David Rodrigo has one of the most unenviable jobs in football.

Enthusiasm and belief
But the inexperienced 33-year-old has set about his job with an enthusiasm and belief that would put many of his illustrious rivals in international coaching to shame.

Potential upset
Although Andorra have lost every competitive game it has played under Rodrigo, the signs have been there to signal that a serious upset is on the cards, sooner or later.

Narrow defeat
His second game in charge, after taking over the reigns in May 1999, saw the tiny principality almost embarrass world Champions France, losing narrowly by a single goal in a qualifier for EURO 2000™.

‘Away’ matches
And all this was achieved ‘away’ from home in Barcelona, as Andorra do not have a stadium big enough to host internationals on home territory.

Spanish experience
Rodrigo, who has a degree in Physical Education, began his coaching career with the Catalan side UE Lleida, working with their junior teams before moving on to CD Binefar in the Spanish third division. He led Binefar to promotion and victory in the Copa Federación, before moving on to international management.

More organised
Andorra, who only have three professional players in their side, have proved to be more organised and fitter under Rodrigo than they have been in the past, making them harder to break down.

World Cup campaign
Despite losing all their matches during the recent 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign they did manage to hold Estonia (2-1) and Cyprus (3-2) to narrow one-goal defeats.

Motivational skills
Rodrigo's motivational and organisational skills may earn them the odd point, but they are never likely to be more than whipping boys in the race for EURO 2004™ glory. Five goals scored and 36 conceded in their ten World Cup qualifying matches tells its own tale.