Macedonia played a goalless draw in the home friendly against Turkey as last preparation before the Spain WC qualifier.

With two disallowed goals, few chances and a better performance, Macedonia failed to celebrate today. You can’t win if you don’t score especially if you have chances like those of Pandev, Alioski, Trichkovski and Ibraimi. Turkey fielded a combined team and that gave a chance to Macedonia because of the much older and more experienced players.

Coach Angelovski did not make any surprises in the starting 11. Dimitrievski was between the posts, Ristevski an Ristovski as wing backs with Mojsov and Shikov in central defense. Spirovski, Stjepanovikj and Hasani in midfield with Pandev, Alioski and Nestorovski up front.

The anthems before the game:

The visitors were better in the opening 15 minutes and in part of the second half, while the rest was dominated by Macedonia. And the best chances were in the Turkish box. In the 19th minute Mojsov scored on a header after a free kick by Alioski, but the goal was ruled out for offside. It was a correct decision by the assistant referee.

In the second half Macedonian fans and players once again celebrated for nothing, It happened just few minutes after the break when Alioski fired a great shot from around the box placing the ball behind Babacan, but now the other assisted signalized that Pandev was before the keeper and influenced his view. An offside was activated although Pandev did not touch the ball.

Although it was expected, 16-years-old Jani Atanasov did not get a chance to play at least a few minutes Angelovski even did not use the 6 available substitutions making the fifth even in the injury time.

Highlights:

This was the 99th friendly match for the senior national team. When it comes to friendlies, Macedonia has recorded 35 wins and 35 defeats with 29 draws. To check more statistics go here.

Click here to view the match report.

Macedonia will now prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Spain on the 11th. Angelovski is on a 3 match undefeated run and will have a hard time to maintain that against the next opponent who is one of the best in the world.