Blagoja Milevski is confident of North Macedonia’s chances against Portugal following their shock win over Italy last week.
North Macedonia pulled off the unthinkable at the Stadio Renzo Barbera last week, picking up a 1-0 win against the reigning European champions by netting a last minute winner, despite barely having a sniff all game. Milevski’s side will now face Portugal in a winner-takes-all match tomorrow at 18.45 UK time.
Speaking in a press conference today, Milevski underlined his confidence ahead of the match against Portugal.
“We won against one of the best teams in the world, Italy, the reigning European champions, on the road.
“We will not stop here, another, final step is waiting for us to reach the World Cup. We are on track to confirm why we are among the 20 best teams in Europe.”
Italy’s defeat means that they’ll miss out on their second consecutive World Cup, a horrific result for Roberto Mancini and his squad. A team overhaul is expected as the Azzurri look to build for the future ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Mancini has confirmed that he will not be resigning from his role as head coach, allowing a new cycle to start in the team with some consistency.
Le parole del CT macedone Milevski 🇲🇰https://t.co/jdDI8rGJYc
— CalcioNews24.com (@CalcioNews24) March 28, 2022
Nah, y’all have zero chance. The difference between Italy and Portugal is that Portugal actually have players that can score.
I know most of you never heard of this guy before the Italy game (understandably) but he is something like the Macedonian Mourinho and for people paying attention it is no surprise that he has such success … Bobi Milevski in 2017 was in charge of Macedonia U21 and qualified for the U21 Euros in front of Ukraine, Iceland, Scotland and France!!! (w/ Tolliso, Laporte, Rabiot, Dembele etc.). So that same Macedonian generation is now a bit older and plays for the first team and Milevski is again doing wonders
Thanks for that insight @Dra. Wasn’t aware of his pedigree and tactical nous. Good for them, they did what they had to do…just wished it didn’t come vs the Azzurri.
Come on lets not be silly here. Portugal are going to win. I mean i hope they don’t but lets be realistic here now.
@Nico Yeah… I wish it didn’t happen against Italy also 🙁 Italy shouldn’t have been in the playoffs in the first place.
@Jez I’m afraid it’s the most probable scenario…unfortunately. However it doesn’t change the facts about Milevski… I mean this is a country that not that long ago was losing games to teams like Andorra, Armenia, Slovakia… it’s like bringing Salernitana into the Champions League
Portugal are going to destroy Macedonia . They are going approach this game differently than Italy and I predict they are going to win 4 to 0. Italy would not have won against Portugal anyways . Its very sad for us Italians to miss a second world cup in a row . I blame Jorghino for our pain. i hope he does not play for Italy ever again.
It’ll be over in 20 Minutes.
I think if they faced any decent team who can score goals they won’t go to the WC. They won the tactically battle against Mancini since he had counter attacking forward players against a side that defended with everyone at the back. How did Mancini not see it…. that will never be known but Ronaldo will tear them apart when it comes to crosses.
They defended well against Italy and were disciplined. And Italy were stressed and nervous. I think Portugal will be too good for them. It would be a great story if they made it. I still can’t believe that Italy are not in the WC. Thank the stars they won the Euros – otherwise the feeling would be just desperate. We saw flashes of brilliance last summer – so we know it’s there.
Portugal have players that can score. But Portugal don’t have a defense as good as Italy’s. If North Macedonia can block enough Portugal shots, they have a shot. Maybe in extra time or P.K. shootout.