Summary:
- David Brooks brought Wales a 1-1 draw with his stoppage-time goal that canceled out Bojan Miovski’s goal in the 91st minute.
- Wales controlled possession but found it difficult to break down North Macedonia, who had been unbeaten in six games.
- The match was preceded by a moment of silence for victims of a nightclub fire.
Twelve years have passed since Wales last played in Skopje, a trip remembered as much for Chris Coleman’s passport mishap as the match itself.
This time around, under Craig Bellamy’s leadership, the Welsh squad managed to project a far more composed and professional image.
Yet, it took a dramatic late equalizer from substitute David Brooks to save an essential point, keeping Bellamy’s unbeaten streak alive and their World Cup dreams intact.
The game was preceded by a moment of silence commemorating the 59 victims of a devastating nightclub fire in Kocani.
Bellamy: “My Main Reaction? Probably Shock”
When Bojan Miovski netted an excellent goal in the 91st minute, it appeared that Wales, which arrived in Skopje on a seven-game winning streak, had let a winnable qualifier slip.
However, Brooks’ last-second intervention sparked jubilant celebrations among the Welsh contingent.
Bellamy could hardly believe what he had witnessed.
“My main reaction? Probably shock. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions”, he commented while praising the team for being “more in control” than he imagined they would be.
I really liked us. We were really good. We didn’t deserve to lose.
Wales Controlled Much of the Game
Tactically, Blagoja Milevski’s decision to switch to a back five looked like a wise move as Wales controlled much of the game, dominating possession on a slick pitch but struggling to carve out clear chances.
Sorba Thomas came close but couldn’t quite capitalize on a pinpoint cross from Leeds winger Dan James.
In a subplot involving past and present Elland Road players, James frequently tested Ezgjan Alioski, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia but once patrolled the left flank for Leeds.
Defensively, Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham were immense, ensuring Wales remained solid. Karl Darlow was only truly tested in the second half, producing a sharp save to deny Darko Churlinov.
When Johnson’s effort was cleared off the line, North Macedonia sensed an opportunity and reverted to a back four, nearly capitalizing when Alioski fired just wide. Then, a lapse from Joe Allen gifted Miovski his chance to put the hosts ahead.
However, it was not over for Wales. A flick-on from Kieffer Moore managed to find Brooks, who helped Bellamy’s side not leave and leave Skopje empty-handed.
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