World Soccer

North Macedonia

Pandev bidding to make more history at his country’s first tournament

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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.

 ??  ?? History…North Macedonia held on to win their play-off final against Georgia in Tbilisi 1-0
History…North Macedonia held on to win their play-off final against Georgia in Tbilisi 1-0

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