A lifeless performance saw Macedonia lose 0:2 against Cameroon in today’s friendly in Austria.

The 4-3-3 formation was just not working today as Macedonia played with little energy for the majority of the game.  The performance was lifeless as players were carelessly losing the ball on numerous instances, and the body language was not ideal.  Some players were simply not into the game mentally.

In what was a rather dull performance in the 1st half, mostly played on Macedonia’s side of the field, Cameroon controlled possession and created its first great chance in the 17th minute when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting struck the crossbar.  The chance came after Choupo-Moting took the ball away from David Babunski.  Seconds after the ball pounced off the post, it reached another Cameroon player whose shot was saved by Pachovski out for a corner kick.

Macedonia did not threaten much in the opening half, only mustering a chance in the 34th minute that was saved by the Cameroon keeper.  The fact that Macedonia did not field a classic CF in the starting lineup may have played a part in those struggles, but so did the lack of effort.

Representing the national team should be a privilege, not a right.  Many players say that to be politically correct, but actions speak louder than words (and today’s actions by some players proved otherwise).

Cameroon scored an early goal in the 2nd half when Pierre Webó scored on an overhead kick.  Macedonian defenders raised their hands, seeking offside, but Webó appeared to be onside when looking at the replay.

In the 57th minute, Boshko Gjurovski made four changes at once, bringing on Adis Jahovikj, Bazhe Ilijoski, Krste Velkoski and Tauljant Sulejmanov.  Those four players displayed more fight and energy, Ilijoski coming very close to scoring in equalizer in the 70th minute.  Bazhe received a low cross from the right, but his shot from close range was straight at the Cameroon keeper.

Cameroon eventually put the game away in the 84th minute when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored with a precise shot to the bottom right corner.  Cameroon nearly made it 3:0 in the 90th minute, but Pachovski showed good reflexes to make a great save.

To view the match report, click here.