The North Macedonian national team started November with a friendly match against Latvia, while the duel at the “Todor Proeski” Arena in Skopje ended with a score of 0-0, reports Telegrafi.
This meeting served as a test before the match with Wales in Cardiff, which will decide who will finish second in the qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, a position that ensures a lead in the play-off phase for the tournament to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
As for the game, coach Milevski started with a mixed lineup, resting some of the main starters. Ashkovski, Stojchevski, Rastoder, and Ristovski played in their place.
The match started with few chances and a lot of play in the midfield, without any serious threat to the goals. The first chance came in the 24th minute, when Gutkovskis shot over the crossbar, while three minutes later, Tihomir Kostadinov risked a header, but goalkeeper Matrevics reacted correctly. Dimitrievski also distinguished himself with his saves, keeping the goal intact.
Before the end of the first half, Nikola Serafimov had a good chance, but he was also stopped by the Latvian goalkeeper. In the second half, Milevski activated players like Qamili, Ramadani, Elmas, Trajkovski and Miovski. The game remained calm and without much danger, with a chance from Rastoder in the 58th minute that was stopped again by Matrevics.
Latvia took a serious risk in the 70th minute when Ikaunieks hit Dimitrievski’s goal post. Until the end, Macedonia was more active, but failed to score. This is the first time that Latvia has not suffered a defeat against Macedonia, after five consecutive defeats in previous encounters. /Telegraph/