A missed opportunity for victory in the qualifications tournament for EURO 2011 for players under 21 years. Macedonia had lead of 1-0, but a goal in 90th minute set the final score of 1-1.
The match started slowly and the bad pitch condition did not allow fast play. Macedonia had the first chances of the game through Muarem and Ibraimi in the 8th and 15th minute. Portugal first more seriously threatened in the 25th minute but Betim Aliju managed to clear the ball. Until the first half whistle both teams’ players were mostly trying with long shots and plays from free kicks and corners but nothing more serious happened and the half-time result was 0-0.
In the second half both teams opened up and pushed forward a bit more, so the match became more interesting. Muarem Muarem received a good ball in the 16-meters box, released himself from his two keepers and scored a very good goal. Macedonia had then the chance to make a 2-0 lead but Ibraimi twice in a row missed good opportunities. Then, Betim Aliju got a second yellow card and Portugal threw everything in attack. Chances were turning up for them every minute but luck was on Macedonia’s side who also had solid, on this match, Naumovski on the goal. But then, the 90th minute was played when Adrien Silva received an excellent ball from the right and scored the equalizing goal. A shock for Macedonia but Urdinov in the 94th minute could have shocked Portugal when he missed a seater from 5 meters after an excellent crossed ball from a free kick. In the end, only 1-1 for Macedonia, similar like in the past matches in Prilep, despite the initial lead Macedonia did not hold onto it. When Macedonia played offensive, they have scored the goal, but with a player less and so defensive play it seemed inevitable that a goal will be conceded.
Stadium Goce Delcev, Prilep. Goalscorers: Muarem 68′; Adrien Silva 90′
Macedonia: Naumovski, Georgievski, Lazevski, Aliju, Dimitrovski, Urdinov, Petrovik, Muarem* (Nestorovski 90+1′), Stankov* (Ivanovski 64′), Ibraimi* (Berisa 82′), Stojkov.