North Macedonia

THEY HA VE THE SPIRIT AND SKILL TO DISH OUT SOME BLOODY NOSES

North Macedonia didn’t have a hope of qualifying traditionally, yet they took full advantage of UEFA’S generosity to reach their first major tournament as an independent nation. The decision to let a relatively weak national side come through the play- offs via League D in the Nations League was controversial, but the Macedonians were thrilled with their opportunity – and striker Goran Pandev was rewarded for his patience.

But aren’t we all in this for the romance? Pandev, 37, made his debut two decades ago and had considered retiring from international duty. He stayed put, and led his country to their greatest moment with a memorable winner against Georgia.

North Macedonia did finish third in qualifying, but it was a distant third, behind Poland and Austria. In the Nations League, however, they needed only to overcome Armenia, Gibraltar and Liechtenstein, then Kosovo and Georgia in the play- offs – both of whom, admittedly, were perhaps favourites – in order to make history. Pandev wept after scoring the winner in Tbilisi. A nation cried with him.

North Macedonia’s players know they’ve been lucky to reach Euro 2020. They did, though, show some promise in qualifying. Igor Angelovski’s charges won their home matches against the three teams below them – Slovenia, Israel and Latvia – and they were also unbeaten on their travels against that trio. Opposition this summer will be an entirely different proposition, and the Red Lynxes will simply be hoping to avoid souring their summer of love.

In all, they’ve shown togetherness and a strong will to fulfil this fairy tale. They’re no charity case, either. Pandev is a great leader; Napoli’s 21- year- old midfielder Elif Elmas is a rising star who could grab attention; Levante schemer Enis Bardhi is a top dead- ball specialist; and Leeds wideman Ezgjan Alioski is inconsistent but also capable of brilliance. Finally, Stole Dimitrievski is a reliable goalkeeper who proved calm under pressure in his country’s most important fixtures.

North Macedonia are the weakest team at Euro 2020, but they’ve nothing to lose – and, as they proved in March with an incredible 2- 1 World Cup qualifying win in Germany, they have the spirit and the skill to dish out some bloody noses. Whatever happens, though, simply being here is a victory. Anything else will be a bonus.

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Play- off Path D winners