After the game, we compiled the player ratings of the Macedonian national team.  We tried to be objective and judge the players based on how they played in the game.  Keep in mind that a rating of 6.0 is considered average.

Martin Bogatinov: Not at fault on the two goals by Ireland.  Bogatinov could have very well saved the first goal on the shot by Robbie Keane but unfortunately it took an unlucky deflection off of Nikolce Noveski and it went past the hapless Bogatinov to the back of the net.  The second goal came on a huge blunder by defender Boban Grncarov who mishit his back pass to Bogatinov and Keane intervened and scored his second goal of the game.  Bogatinov made some sure catches on crosses from the left by Aiden McGeady and really wasn’t tested much.  He seemed unsure on one occasion where Ireland took a long free kick and Bogatinov bobbled the shot but no Irish player was near the goal so Bogatinov recovered and gathered the ball. 6.0

Vance Sikov: Did his best but you have to keep in mind that Sikov is playing out of position as he is a CB playing RB.  Sikov is a big man that was asked to mark the very quick Aiden McGeady.  McGeady did trouble Sikov at times with his quickness but overall Sikov did his job to the best of the abilities.  The fact is that Ireland did not create many chances and scored two fortunate goals.  The problem with Sikov playing RB is that he doesn’t offer anything going forward.  He is not used to that being a CB and was mostly concentrated on his defensive responsibilities. 5.5

Boban Grncarov: Made that huge blunder on the second goal by Ireland.  Grncarov wasn’t very noticeable for the majority of the game because Ireland rarely threatened the goal but his mistake was costly and unacceptable for a player of his experience. 4.5

Nikolce Noveski: Very unlucky on the deflection that resulted in the first goal for Ireland.  He simply tried to block the shot by Robbie Keane but it took a deflection and it resulted in a goal.  Otherwise, Noveski was his usual calm self and did his job effectively. 6.0

Goran Popov: Was a doubt going into the game because of a nagging injury.  Popov constantly attacked down the left flank and threatened with several shots from distance.  He did make some careless passes but he was active and presented a threat to Ireland. 6.0

Velice Sumulikoski: Played deeper than usual to cover for Popov who went forward from his LB position.  Macedonia did dominate possession but the midfield couldn’t make that great pass over the top to trouble Ireland. 5.0

Muhamed Demiri: Similar to Sumulikoski.  Macedonia had more of the possession but it is what you do with that possession.  Demiri lost his effectiveness as the game went on and was substituted in the 72nd minute. 5.0

Filip Despotovski: His flick resulted in Macedonia being awarded a penalty.  Macedonia made several nice passes and then Despotovski’s nice flick reached Pandev who was fouled inside the box for a penalty.  He did fine in the first half but was pretty quiet in the second half and Despotovski ended up being substituted in the 57th minute. 5.5

Ivan Trickovski: Made a great pass to Pandev in the 13th minute that resulted in a big chance but Pandev squandered the opportunity.  Tricko also missed a penalty just before halftime when he hit the post.  Was not as active as he was in the first matchup against Ireland this past March.  The Cypriot season ended in early May and it seems not playing several weeks affected his form. 5.5

Ilco Naumoski: Only played several minutes before a shoulder injury forced him to be substituted so he doesn’t quality for the player ratings. N/A

Goran Pandev: Missed a huge chance in the 13th minute when Tricko found him but his shot was straight at the keeper.  Won a penalty in the 40th minute and should have won another penalty earlier in the 24th minute as that foul seemed worse but referee waved play on to the disbelief of Pandev.  He also scored a goal in the 56th minute but it didn’t count as he used his hand to control the cross from Popov. 6.0

Substitutes

Ferhan Hasani: Entered the game in the 10th minute for the injured Naumoski.  He showed flashes of his talent but he seemed overwhelmed at times and maybe the stage was too big for him at this point.  Made some good dribbles but also lost the ball in good positions. 5.5

Mario Gjurovski: Came on for Despotovski early in the second half.  Had the best chance for Macedonia in the second half but his well placed shot to the top left corner was saved nicely by the Irish keeper and it went for a corner. 6.0

Dusan Savic: Replaced Demiri in the 72nd minute.  Didn’t do much during his time on the field and made some inaccurate crosses that squandered opportunities.  The fans wanted to see the 19 year old Stefan Ristovski but the manager Jonuz decided to bring on Savic as the third and final substitution. 5.0