Macedonia defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 in its fourth match of the UEFA U21 qualifications. With this win, the red and yellow sit tied for second with Denmark, Serbia is at the top with 11 pts out of five matches.
Macedonia was better the entire match, particularly in the second half. 18 year old David Babunski who trains with Barcelona's first team entered the match in the second half and showcased his talent.
Babunski had complete control of the midfield, constantly found his teammates with sharp passes that even the red and yellow offensive line was surprised to receive. It was Babunski clever through pass ball to Hasani in the 16 yard box which led to a penalty in the 82nd minute. Urdinov secured the trhee points for the red and yellow after his successful conversion.
Needless to say, the Macedonian senior team is in dire need of someone like David Babunski. Hopefully John Toshack took notice of this youngster. There is a good reason he is in Barcelona!
Macedonia could have and should have scored in the 53rd minute when a penalty was awarded after a N. Irish defender handled the ball. The ref pointed to the penalty box and Ilija Nestorovski sent a shot high enough to down an airliner.
The N. Irish famous for their physical play displayed just that. The visitors were physical the entire match which led to multiple yellow cards and a red for Shane Ferguson in the 86th minute.
Near the end of the match the visitors almost grabbed a point after Macedonian defenders fell asleep and allowed the Irish to curve a shot which passed just outside the post.
"We knew the Northern Irish would be physical, they play agressively so we knew we had to be good in the air and prevent them from making too many crosses in our box. In the second half I felt we need to exert more pressure from the midfield so we inserted Babunski and Timov in the midfield which in the end resulted in a goal. I am overall happy with this win" says Boban Babunski, Macedonian U21 coach.
