Filip Mishov’s Ukraine v North Macedonia preview: Angelovski will want to create more chances for Pandev

Our Matchday Squad journalist will be covering North Macedonia throughout Euro 2020

The disappointment of losing to Austria in the first-ever match for North Macedonia at a major tournament should only serve as a catalyst for further motivation to get even better against Ukraine.

The North Macedonia national team played a solid match up until the 70th minute, but the poor squad depth and the limited bench options proved pivotal in the final minutes and resulted in Austria winning 3-1, which flattered their performance. The next opponents for the Lynxes is Ukraine and the two youngest coaches at the Euros will face each other in a crucial meeting for progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.

The coach, Igor Angelovski, can be satisfied with the performance of his players and it is hard to believe that he will make any tactical tweaks or changes to the starting line-up. Thankfully, no knocks or injuries were sustained in the opening match and everyone is fit and raring to go.

If North Macedonia are to progress to the next phase of the Euros, a win against Ukraine is a must and the 45-year-old Angelovski will definitely instruct his players to get hold more of the ball and to focus on creating chances for Goran Pandev.

Ukraine play fast attacking football and they will be dangerous through their quality wingers like Andriy Yarmolenko. But if North Macedonia displays a strong and robust performance in defence and take its chances in attack, then the debut win at a major tournament can become a reality. I am predicting a Macedonia 1 – 0 Ukraine scoreline.

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