After the narrow loss to Russia, we compiled the player ratings of the Macedonian players.  We tried to be objective and judge the players based on this game.  Keep in mind that a rating of 6.0 is considered average.

Martin Bogatinov:  Other than the goal in the 41st minute, Bogatinov wasn’t tested much in the 1st half but he came up big during the 2nd half with several fine saves.  The goal that he conceded took a slight deflection so that could have thrown of Bogatinov as the ball barely went past him.  However, in the 2nd half, he kept Macedonia in the game by making important saves in the 47th and 61st minute.  Then, he made a wonderful save in the 64th minute to save a powerful header from Dmitri Torbinskiy. 6.5

Daniel Georgievski:  Was given problems by the quickness of Andrei Arshavin.  Russia attacked heavily on his side to test the inexperienced Georgievski.  He was bailed out by Sikov and Noveski on several occasions.  For the big chance in the 64th minute, Zhirkov easily went past both Georgievski and Ibraimi before he made the cross in the area.  After the play, a lot of teammates were not happy with the effort of Georgievski and Ibraimi to let Zhirkov get past them so easily. 5.5

Vance Sikov:  The best player for Macedonia in our opinion.  Made numerous sliding challenges and interventions that saved Macedonia and prevented opportunities for Russia.  Also came close to scoring in the 54th minute with a powerful free kick that was barely saved by the Russian keeper.  Solid performance and made a good pairing with Noveski. 7.0

Nikolce Noveski:  Rock solid at the back, just like Sikov.  He made several important clearances and he effectively marked his opponents by being uncompromising.  He was given just a slightly lower grade than Sikov because he had fewer interventions and didn’t attempt a dangerous free kick like Sikov.  Picked up a yellow card in the 90th minute which means he will be suspended for the next game.  Daniel Mojsov should partner Sikov for the Andorra game on 6 September 2011. 6.5

Goran Popov:  Popov had an average performance.  Toshack will be expecting more for him in the future.  Made an awful pass in the 60th minute that almost gifted Russia a goal.  Had a chance in the 90th minute but his shot was saved.  Popov has been a solid performer for the national team but did not play up to his abilities today. 6.0

Velice Sumulikoski:  An okay performance by Sumulikoski.  Won an important duel in the 36th minute when he took the ball away from Semshov just before he was getting ready to attempt a shot.  Also tested the Russian keeper with a shot in the 44th minute which was bobbled and created a chance for Trickovski on the rebound but his effort went high. 6.0

Muhamed Demiri:  Demiri was pretty quiet.  He played all 90 minutes but was not very noticeable for large portions of the game.  Muhamed received a yellow card in the 61st minute which means he is suspended for the Andorra game. 5.0

Ivan Trickovski:  Trickovski is another player who has been a solid performer for the national team but was average in this game.  He had several chances but most of his shots were not accurate.  His only shot that forced a save came in the 4th minute but otherwise, his shots went either wide or over the goal.  His shot in the 9th minute went wide of the goal, free kick in the 28th minute went over the goal, good opportunity on a rebound in the 44th minute went just wide, and then he shot high again in the 88th minute from a good position.  Toshack will expect more from Tricko in the future. 6.0

Goran Pandev:  Up and down match for Pandev.  Started brightly where he showed his skill by getting past markers but then lost the ball in dangerous positions by trying to do too much.  Finally played the trequartista role where he seemed dangerous at times but lost his effectiveness as the game went on.  His finishing remains a concern as he missed a good opportunity in the 40th minute.  Was nonexistent in the final 15 minutes after he moved to centre forward following Ivanovski’s substitution.  Received his second yellow card of the game, thus a red card, shortly after the referee blew the final whistle. 5.5

Agim Ibraimi:  Agim attempted two dangerous looking shots in the 1st half but they both went wide of the goal.  Very quiet in the 2nd half and along with Georgievski, was guilty on the big chance for Russia in the 64th minute when Yuri Zhirkov easily went past them before his dangerous cross almost led to a goal.  Two minutes after that play, Toshack substituted Ibraimi and brought on Ferhan Hasani. 5.5

Mirko Ivanovski:  Very disappointing game by Mirko Ivanovski.  He tried but things were not going his way.  Was offside on too many occasions.  Whiffed on a shot while trying to score on a rebound in the 44th minute. 5.0

Substitutes:

Ferhan Hasani:  Entered the game in the 66th minute replacing Agim Ibraimi.  However, Hasani was even quieter than Ibraimi as he was hardly noticeable during the 24 minutes he was on the pitch. 5.0

Aleksandar Trajkovski: Came on for the ineffective Ivanovski in the 75th minute.  Same grade as Hasani.  Did not to anything of note during his 15 minutes on the pitch and could not add creativity to Macedonia’s attack. 5.0

Muarem Muarem: Replaced Velice Sumulikoski in the 85th minute and made his debut appearance for the national team.  Did not play enough minutes to qualify for a rating. N/A