North Macedonia
Pandev bidding to make more history at his country’s first tournament
OVERVIEW
North Macedonia reached their first-ever major tournament via the play-offs, with national hero Goran Pandev netting the winner against Georgia. Despite public gatherings being banned, people crowded the streets waving flags, while fireworks coloured the night sky in celebration.
Five years ago, when coach Igor Angelovski took command, it looked like an impossible dream, with his first tasking persuading Pandev to return to the squad after a two-year absence.
Alongside Pandev’s experience, youth has been added. Seven of the youngsters that qualified for the Under-21 European Championship for the first time in the country’s history in 2017 have been promoted to the senior team.
As a result, the Red Lions have climbed almost 100 places on the FIFA rankings. Other than Croatia, North Macedonia are the only other former Yugoslavian nation at Euro 2020.
TACTICS
While a passing game favours the creative talents of Pandev and Bardhi, with further dribbling ability coming out wide in the shape of full-backs Ezgjan Alioski and Stefan Ristovski, and winger Eljif Elmas, a more cautious game will be required at the Euros.