First disaster for Macedonia in this qualifications as the road game to Spain happened to be a mission impossible ending in a 4:0 defeat.
It was expected a defeat as Macedonia visited one of the best footballing nations in the world in this moment, but everyone hoped for at least a decent defeat and a good play.
Problems for coach Angelovski occurred before the game. He decided to start with U21 keeper Igor Aleksovski between the posts, but he got an injury during the pre-match warming-up. It should have been his glorious debut, but he will now have to wait for a new chance. Eventually Gimnàstic’s keeper Stole Dimitrievski got the job and he did great. He seemed highly motivated as before joining Gimnàstic he was part of Granada, the club that plays at the very same stadium tonight’s game took place at.
Macedonia started the game with a great chance to take the lead early in the 5th minute when after a corner kick Darko Velkovski found himself alone in front of the goal but failed to score on a header as de Gea made a good intervention.
Our defense was doing a good job, bravely closing all the ways towards Dimitrievski’s goal as Spain had most of the possesion. Again very close to scoring was the visiting side with this time Pandev sending a header near the post in the 20th minute.
Two minutes later Dimitrievski showed his skills preventing Morata from scoring. Few minutes later the two once again had an encounter and Stole was victorious again.
The 34th minute was under way when Spain eventually broke the dead lock. A high ball was getting down in the Macedonian box, Darko Velkovski went to clear it when Stefan Ristovski pushed him from one side and Morata from behind resulting in Velkovski sending a header into the Macedonian net.
After the break Spain started attacking furiously wanting a second goal. In the 60th minute Stefan Spirovski got injured forcing Angelovski to make a substitution. He introduced Zhuta who took the left back position meaning that Alioski could finally move forward.
Only three minutes later the ball got to Vitolo who had no difficulties scoring on a header in the empty goal.
Bardi tried twice with a shot from distance and twice he did well, the first was saved by de Gea, while the second missed the target by very little.
Angelovski was waiting so long to make another substitution. The winner was already decided so there was absolutely no reason to wait until the 82nd minute to make some changes. Ibraimi substituted Nestorovski, while 5 minutes later Gjorgjev took Hasani’s place.
Meanwhile Spain added two more goals within just two minutes with Nacho Monreal and Aduriz getting into the scoresheet.
This was the fourth defeat in the fourth game for Macedonia and that makes the worst start in any qualifications ever. We are stuck at the bottom of the Group G being equal on points with Liechtenstein who is behind us only due to the worse goal-difference. Also, this was the 100th defeat for Macedonia in its history including all official games (qualifying and friendly). When it comes to the encounters with Spain, they are perfect against Macedonia as they have won all the 6 games so far (5 qualifying and 1 friendly).
To view the match report, click here.
In the other games in our group, Italy as expected defeated Liechtenstein away with 4:0, while Israel celebrated a 3:0 win in Albania after taking the lead by converting a penalty kick. At the same time Albania was left with 10 men and later even with 9.
Now there is a long break before the next round which is scheduled for March 24 next year. Macedonia visits Liechtenstein in the derby of the bottom.