Macedonia U19 noted a defeat in the first match of Elite Round for European championship qualification.

Despite the half-time lead, Macedonia lost the opening match of Elite Round. Hosts Turkey U19 were the better team throughout the match and deservedly won. Macedonia started the match defensively but Gjurgjevic’s first shot was a goal and Macedonia took the lead. However, the defensive formation with Marko Simonovski only player upfront did not prove effective as Turkey took the domination and controlled the match. Efremov had some good saves, but in 59th minute he made a mistake when he failed to control a ball which allowed Muhammet Demir to equalize the score. 10 minutes later, the same player put his team into lead after a nice cross and in the 85th minute he completed his hat-trick setting the final score of 3-1. Dragarski, who had a good match till then and was our best player in defense, received a red card in the 90th minute for alleged elbowing, but it seemed as a good simulation by the Turkish player.

Macedonia: Efremov, Gjorgjievski, Dragarski, Najdoski, Alijoski, Drobarov (69′ Acevski),  Micevski, Najdovski (78′ Nurisi), Timov (63′ Naumcevski), Gjurgjevic, Simonovski.

Macedonia’s next match is against Germany on 2nd of June at 16.00 CET.