Macedonia lost at home the last game of the UEFA Nations League against Bulgaria.
photo by FFN: moment of the match
The Lynx needed just a draw to avoid falling down from the second to third place in the Group D of League C. Coach Blagoja Milevski made some changes in the starting line-up even though he played again with five players in the defense.
Dimitrievski was on goal, Bejtulai, Zajkov and Musliu were the CB’s, Todoroski and Alioski played at RWB respectively LWB, Elmas and Bardhi in CM, Trajkovski more offensive central, while Ristovski and Miovski were the attackers. The tactical intention fell apart fast as Todoroski received a direct red card early in the 14th minute. Milevski reacted eight minutes later when he replaced Trajkovski for Ashkovski.
The game was not a high quality match by any meaning. Bulgaria lacked quality, while Macedonia had a problem due to playing almost the whole game with a player less after Todoroski’s early red card early. The visitors managed to open the score in the 50th minute when Kiril Despodov found the net behind Dimitrievski on a counter attack.
The winner:
Milevski reacted with throwing in Doriev and Spirovski in the 61st minute and Dorian Babunski in the 85th minute. In vain as no more goals were scored. Elmas and Doriev had the biggest opportunities, but missed.
Not just by the results this past Nations League adventure was a disappointment. A lot of players missed several games due to injuries, nevertheless there were to much individual mistakes and also the offensive game was mostly not on the needed level. To be more successful in the upcoming qualifications for the 2024 EURO the team has to climb on a higher level. A better team play is needed and in case all players are available that should be possible.
Facts about the match:
- 50th appearance for Enis Bardhi
- 21st is the red card picked up by Todor Todoroski
- 15th appearance for Milan Ristovski