Two matches left before the chance for historic generation. Macedonia hitting the road in a quest for 6 points from the matches against Scotland and Norway. Mission impossible? No, not at all.
It was about an year ago when we were about to become witnesses of the start of another qualification tournament, this time for a World Cup. Macedonia’s first opponent was Scotland. A great expectation from both sets of fans in Skopje in front of the match and unbearable weather conditions marked the beginning of that game. The end was marked by the enormous joy among the Macedonian fans after Naumoski scored the only goal of the match.
Now, two rounds to go, Netherlands are more then qualified with maximum 7 wins out of 7 matches, Macedonia is on the second place. Should we feel sorry for not winning over Iceland away from home? Several squandered opportunities and the football punishment arrived upon us. 1-0 defeat and a northern shock. Macedonia did managed to return the favor and in Skopje won 2-0 against Iceland under the lead of Mirsad Jonuz as a new manager. But 4 days before that match Norway held us to a scoreless draw and now things are up to the red&yellow boys.
Manager Mirsad Jonuz is optimistic. Double or quits – asked by a journalist, his answer was – double. – ‘Of course, we are heading for a double but we will take one step at a time. We will be only thinking of Scotland first and upon that result Norway.’ – stated Jonuz. Macedonian star player Pandev was supposed to leave Lazio during this transfer period but he didn’t and now he will stay at least till January despite his well-known problems with club president Lotito. Nevertheless, Pandev assured everyone that he is only thinking of the national team and his club problems are left behind. The discipline in the national team is on higher lever now after the match against Spain. Macedonian squad will remain training in Ohrid until tomorrow and tomorrow they will be heading for Glasgow.
Scotland’s coach Burley is certainly more under pressure then his counterpart. Apparently, he could be sacked if his team fails to win on Saturday. How will he answer on the pressure piled upon him? We will check out on Saturday, from Hampden Park in Glasgow.