World Cup 2014 Opponents Profile: Macedonia

Upon analysing Scotland’s qualifying group, Craig Levein believes his side has a real fighting chance of getting to Brazil. First and foremost, the tartan army managed to avoid Europe’s elite. However, that doesn’t mean that the group will be a walk in the park. Each nation will believe they can take points off of each other, no side should be underestimated.

That includes Macedonia.

What many people aren’t aware of is the possible threat they may pose. As we have seen in the past underestimation has posed problems during qualification, it’s up to Levein to make sure this problem is eradicated.

This isn’t the first time the two nations have been drawn together, cast your minds back to the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. An inconsistent campaign on Scotland‘s behalf, this was reflected in their form away from home. Whilst running out comfortable victors at Hampden against Macedonia, the tartan army didn’t have things their own way on their travels.

Since then, Levein has built a squad which has the desire to achieve, a squad that has the strength and depth to compete, and one that the nation now believes has a real chance to hold their own for the forthcoming qualification campaign.

The question is: have Macedonia got what it takes to thwart Scotland’s chances of heading to Brazil?

Manager

John Toshack has just been appointed as the head coach of Macedonia, replacing previous coach Misrad Jonuz who was sacked in June 2011. The former Real Madrid manager stepped down as manager of the Welsh team a year ago after five years at the helm, and will face his former charges in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Key Players

With the greatest respect the Macedonian national side doesn’t boast the most fearful of names. Top players are few and far between, though they do have a potent goal threat in Inter Milan’s Goran Pandev. The experienced front man is one of the countries most capped players at present and is the leading goal scorer in the current squad. Pandev is an out and out striker, a fox in the box some might say, no not a Frannie Jeffers but a proven goal scorer. No second chances needed. His versatile style may be one that Levein will have to concentrate on.

At 28, Pandev already boasts an impressive CV, whilst applying his trade in Italy over the past decade he has won several Serie A titles. He was also a part of Jose Mourihno’s 2010 treble winning Inter side consisting of league, domestic and European glory.

Another player Levein and his men will have to keep an eye on is Velice Sumulikoski. The Macedonian central midfielder has been dubbed “the Balkan Gerrard” by home fans, though looking at his track record some may beg to differ. Simulikoski has struggled to settle at each club he’s been at and since 2002 the unsettled midfielder has played for six different clubs.

Though this appears to have no bearing as to how the Macedonian fans perceive Sumulikoski, many believe “the Balkan Gerrard” to be an integral part of the national set up. His ability to link up with Pandev and set up attacks has been recognised as a key attribute to his game, it’s up to Scotland to limit his time on the ball and prevent the midfielder from dictating play.

Stadium

Following its opening in April 2011, the Philip II Arena will now host all of Macedonia’s home matches. The multi-purpose stadium has a capacity of 36,000 and its unique design will offer a differing experience to visiting teams. During the football season the Philip II Arena will be home to First League sides FK Vardar and FK Rabotnicki.

For the travelling tartan army tickets should not be a problem, with a 36,000 capacity it would be a surprise to see Macedonia sell out the venue. Located in the capital city of Skopje, those wishing to travel to Macedonia can do so from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Past World Cup Qualifying Matches

Macedonia 1 – 0 Scotland (September 2008)

Scotland have a habit of bumping into Macedonia in their bid to qualify for World Cups. The last campaign saw both sides struggle to gain a strong hold in what was a very competitive group.

Scotland failed to cover themselves in glory when facing Macedonia in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. It was also George Burley’s first competitive match in charge of Scotland and it wasn’t a great start by any means. Ilco Naumosk provided the only goal of the game as Scotland failed to convert chances in the blistering heat. As expected Pandev threatened but on this occasion was unable to get his name on the score sheet. A disappointing result for the Tartan army and a poor first match in charge for Burley, it almost set the tone for what was to follow.

Scotland 2 – 0 Macedonia (September 2009)

Following defeat in Skopje, a repeat of the opening match was not in the equation for Scotland. It was up to Burley’s men to keep their World Cup hopes alive, and this they did, running out 2-0 winners at Hampden. A match of two halves, the visitors posed a similar threat to that of the opening fixture in the early exchanges, although they were unable to maintain this throughout. Following the break Scott Brown opened the scoring, settling the nerves of all in attendance at Hampden Park. James McFadden secured the points ten minutes from time with a brilliant solo run before rounding the keeper and sending Hampden into a frenzy.

As we all live in hope of watching Scotland play in Brazil come 2014, it’s up to Levein and his Scotland squad to play the football and get the results. Severe improvements need to be made from previous qualifying campaigns. Let’s hope these improvements can be executed against the unpredictable Macedonia.

Written by Greg Mitchell