Moldova gained their independence with the end of the USSR in 1991 and have competed since then as an independent nation in international football. A member of FIFA since 1994, Moldova first competed in the qualifiers for the1998 FIFA World Cup France, without much success.
In fact, in eight games they suffered eight defeats and only managed two goals scored. They enjoyed slightly greater success four years later, overcoming Azerbaijan and notching three draws, and then continued their improvement in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004, when they beat Austria and Belarus but fell ultimately fell short of booking a ticket to Portugal.
Luxembourg last made it to a European Championship in 1963, and to date this is the greatest claim to footballing fame for one of the smallest countries in Europe, sandwiched between France, Germany and Belgium.
Football remains far and away Luxembourg's most popular sport. The majority of the national side play in the domestic league, although Jeff Strasser adds a hint of international experience. Luxembourg are a long way off hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals, however. During the preliminary round for Germany 2006, the Grand Duchy did not manage to register a single point, with only San Marino sharing this ignominious fate.
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