""It's a new experience for me because when I was playing [for Wales in qualifying], in those last three or four games [of campaigns] we had nothing to play for, so that's nice. It's always a big help playing at home, as it is in any sport. We know we need to win, but we have to be patient as well.""
""I hope that this time it will not be similar to our game against Belgium," said Stankovski, referencing the 0-0 draw away to the Red Devils on October 10, when North Macedonia went without an attempt on target and had 20% of possession. "But that match was also part of our tactics and we managed to get a good result. Tactics are the task of the coach, and our task is to implement them on the pitch. "I don't think that everything depends on luck"
Belgium are poised to take the direct 2026 World Cup qualifying spot from Group J unless they lose to Liechtenstein, who have lost all seven qualifiers. Wales and North Macedonia are level on points and contest second place, with North Macedonia ahead on goal difference. Second place guarantees a home one-legged play-off semi-final in March. Wales must win in Cardiff to overtake North Macedonia. Wales manager Craig Bellamy emphasized home advantage and the need for patience against North Macedonia's deep defensive, counter-attacking approach. North Macedonia's Luka Stankovski called the match the key qualifier and stressed tactical discipline over luck.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]