- The UEFA World Cup playoffs start tonight
- Three Rangers players will represent three of the 16 teams at this stage
- The break away from Scotland could be beneficial for all of the players away
Three Rangers players face the task of helping their team qualify for the World Cup, starting tonight.
16 teams will battle it out in the UEFA second round to make it to the final eight of the qualifying stages.
All the first games are played tonight, with the final eight playing on March 31st.
The four winners on Tuesday will book the final spots for European teams at this year’s World Cup.
Rangers fans will have a heavy interest in the games happening tonight, with three players representing three countries.
Bojan Miovski will play for North Macedonia, Nedim Bajrami will represent Albania, while Rabbi Matondo plays for Wales.
Each face immeasurable battles that could create history for each of their nations.
Bojan Miovski (North Macedonia)
Miovski will lead the line for North Macedonia as they bid to reach their first-ever World Cup.
The striker has netted three goals and grabbed one assist in eight games for the national team.
His country picked up 13 points in the qualifying group, finishing third behind Wales and Belgium.
They picked up draws against Belgium twice but were beaten 7-1 by Wales last time out.
Miovski’s team faces Denmark tonight and will face the winners of the Czech Republic and Ireland on Tuesday if they win tonight.
Nedim Bajrami (Albania)
Another struggling man at Rangers who has the chance to create history is Nedim Bajrami.
He played in seven of Albania’s eight matches in qualifying, finishing second behind a dominant England side.
Bajrami’s side were unbeaten in all games in qualifying, other than two losses to England.
As an attacker this season, Bajrami has struggled to stake a claim in the Rangers’ first 11.
He’s only played 12 games in the league, starting three of them. He’s provided one goal and one assist.
His Albanian side faces Albania away tonight, and with a win, will play the winner of Sweden vs Ukraine.
Rabbi Matondo (Wales)
Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo has had little to no impact for Rangers this season, playing only one minute in the league.
His last game came on February 8, playing 29 minutes off the bench in the Gers’ 8-0 win over Queen’s Park.
Matondo is a surprise inclusion by Craig Bellamy in the Wales squad, and it’s unclear how much he will play.
He does hold blistering pace off the flank and could be an attacking option off the bench if Wales are chasing the game.
The winger played in three games during qualification, managing 11 minutes and one goal.
Wales face Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight and could face Italy or Northern Ireland if they secure victory.
Read Rangers analysis
Tonight’s fixtures are a positive for Rangers and Danny Rohl, with all three getting time away from their struggles.
The games could really help each of them build their confidence and kick-start them ahead of the season split.
Can Albania, Wales, or North Macedonia reach the World Cup?
