Thanks to a brilliant catch-up chase and an equalizer 15 seconds before the end, Macedonia took a draw against the Russians, who had been in lead nearly the whole 60 minutes. Thanks to this result, both teams do not only have five points on their account, but also qualified for the eight-finals like Denmark did the day before.
Russian left wing Timur Dibirov was clearly the player to imprint the first half: The counter-attack specialist, who scored seven times before the break was the key for the 16:13 halftime lead of the team of coach Oleg Kuleshov. The Russian had the better start, led by 7:4, before a time-out of coach Zvonko Shundovski paved the way for the strongest period of Macedonia before the break. Led by Kiril Lazarov, they equalized at 8:8 and continued a series of 8:3 goals to be in lead 12:10.
But the match changed again, when the Russian defence woke up and caused a number of Macedonian turnovers – those ball possessions and the saves of goalkeeper Igor Levshin were the starting points for Dibirov’s counter-attack goals – and the reason for the three goal difference at the break.
And it was again Dibirov to bring the Russians the first six goals lead at 14:20 in minute 36 though his team played shorthanded. Who thought that this intermediate result would already mean a decision, was completely wrong. The Macedonians improved in defence and reduced the number of mistakes in attack, while Russia could not go on with their fast breaks. Like in the middle of the first half, the result was equal again, when Macedonia was close at 24:25 in minute 47.
Four minutes later, Dejan Manaskov scored for 26:26 by counter-attack – and the Macedonians had the psychological advantage on their side for the final stages. But by a series of technical mistakes and missed chances they stood themselves in the way to take the lead, as the Russian bear was stumbling completely.
Russia kept ahead by one goal – but then missed the big chance to decide the game 40 seconds before the end at the score of 29:28, when Sergj Gorbok failed with a shot. Shundovski took his team time-out and Goce Georgiesvki equalized again for 29:29. Russian time-out 15 seconds before the end – but the last attack of Dibirov was blocked by the Macedonian defence.
