The Macedonian national football team played 0:0 in a friendly match against Latvia in Skopje. We had chances, but the realization eluded us.
In the 14th minute, Milan Ristovski got rid of his keeper perfectly, shooting from 25 meters, but Latvia's goalkeeper, Rihard Matrevics, managed to save.
Ten minutes later, Latvia responded with a dangerous attack. After a cross from the left, Vladislavs Gutkovskis headed wide of Stole Dimitrievski's goal.
Macedonia could have taken the lead in the 29th minute, when Tihomir Kostadinov headed a shot from about ten meters, but the Latvian goalkeeper intervened well again.
In the 38th minute, Latvia also had a great chance. Gutkovskis hit a volley into the penalty area, but Stole Dimitrievski showed incredible reflexes and saved with his foot.
Just two minutes later, Bardi shot from 18 meters, and the ball from the block almost outsmarted Matrevics.
After an hour of play, coach Blagoja Milevski changed the offensive trio and brought in Aleksandar Trajkovski, Bojan Miovski and Elif Elmas.
Elif Elmas had the first threat in the 67th minute, with a shot from 20 meters, but it wasn't too dangerous after Latvia's goal.
Three minutes later, Janis Ikanuieks shot from 20 meters and hit the crossbar of Stole Dimitrievski's goal.
Until the end, there were no serious opportunities and the friendly match ended goalless.
MACEDONIA – LATVIA 0:0
National Arena "Todor Proeski" in Skopje.
Viewers: 4,000.
Referee: Milos Savovic (C. Gora).
Archers: /
Z. Cards: Serafimov, Kostadinov (M) – Ikaunieks (L).
MACEDONIA: Dimitrievski, Ilievski, Stojchevski, Serafimov, Ashkovski (81' Dimoski), Kostadinov (70' Ramadani), Alimi, Bardi (46' Qamili), Čurlinov (60' Elmas), Ristovski (60' Trajkovski), Rastoder (60' Miovski).
Coach: Blagoja Milevski.
LATVIA: Matrevich, Savalnieks, Balodis (46' Veips), Chernomordiys (46' Melniks), Jurkovskis, Tsiganix (56' Tonishevs), Ikaunieks, Vapne, Zelenkovs (84' Saveljevs), Dashkevich (70' Melnis), Gutkovskis (56' Regzha).
Selector: Paolo Nicolato.
