U21: Macedonia – Russia 3:4 (Video)

The U21 game between Macedonia and Russia played at the Petar Miloshevski training center ended in a high scoring win for the visitors with a winner in the last minute.

photo by FFM: Russia takes a free kick

Coach Boban Milevski totally changed the starting line-up compared to the last game as only two players kept their spot. This time Jankov was on goal, Stojanovski at right-back, Alomorovikj on the left side and Sadiki and Amanovikj in central defense. Zdravkovski played in central defense, while Gjorgjev and Iseni had a more offensive role in midfield. Babunski began at center-forward, while captain Petkovski and Popzlatanov were fielded on the wings. Russia was more concrete and created three chances within the opening quarter hour. Our first opportunity was in the 17th minute when Dorian Babunski fired a left-footed shot from inside the box, but the goalie prevented a goal. The score was opened in the 25th through Oblyakov who netted directly from a free-kick. Russia controlled the game and doubled the lead in the 37th minute when Melkadze headed home a cross. It seemed that the young Lions already lost the game, but in the 41st minute Amanovikj converted a penalty after Popzlatanov was fouled inside the box. The action was started by a great move from Babunski who afterwards found Popzlatanov before he was fouled.

The second half started with a far better Macedonian side. Gjorgjev had a great chance in the 58th minute, but his effort from close range was not precise enough. Six minutes later Petkovski equalized with a right-footed shot after he received a pass from Popzlatanov. Everything looked great until Melkadze netted Russia’s third goal in the 69th minute. From there both teams slowed down a little bit. In the 86th minute it was again Popzlazanov who was fouled in the penalty area. Amanovikj took also this penalty, the keeper was there for a save, but Aleksa netted the deflected ball. Just two minutes later Russia had a great opportunity, but Jankov was there with a great save. The game mixed up, both teams wanted the win. In the 89th minute Amanovikj received his second yellow card, thus he had to leave the pitch. Shortly after that Macedonia wanted to introduce central back Lichina to strengthen the defense, but there was a lot of confusion and Russia netted the winner in 4th minute of stoppage time when Bakaev scored with a shot from around 20 meters.

All goals (thanks to gol.mk for the video):

Extended highlights:

Macedonia’s U21 looked much better than in the last games, especially on the offensive end what was for sure also a result from the more offensive line-up in midfield. On the other hand the defense was shaky. The next game is an away game in Austria, a team that demolished us last year. If our defense performs again like today it will be a very tough game, so let’s hope that coach Milevski will found a solution for the problem.

Macedonia – Russia 3:4 (1:2)
Goals: 41′ (p), 86′ Amanovikj, 64′ Petkovski; 25′ Oblyakov, 37′, 69′ Melkadze, 90+4′ Z. Bakaev
Macedonia: 1. Jankov; 15. Stojanovski, 2. Sadiki, 14. Amanovikj, 3. Alomerovikj; 20. Zdravkovski; 21. Iseni (89′ Jevtoski), 22. Gjorgjev; 17. Popzlatanov, 9. Petkovski (C) (70′ 7. Abaz); 19. Babunski.

photo by RFS: the young Russians celebrate the winner

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *