Victory for Macedonia with 2:1 against Malta in the first match of the qualifiers for EURO 2024. Elif Elmas and Dako Churlinov with goals in the second half brought victory to Macedonia for important three points at the start of the qualifiers.

Our selection dominated during the match, but the opponent defended with all his strength. In the first half, Macedonia took the initiative, passed the game to the guests' half, but it was without a real chance, unless you consider the threats of Miovski on two occasions, then Velkovski with a head, as well as Trajkovski.

At the very end of the first half, Malta threatened twice, Satariano shot, but only at Zajkov's leg, and then Camenzuli tried, but the ball went past Dimitrievski's right post.

Macedonia had the initiative, they had the possession, but they lacked a finished pass to create an ideal goal chance.

We started the second half, the head coach Milevski reacted, brought Nestorovski and Churlinov into the game in the 58th minute, and just two minutes later a penalty was shown for us, but the joy was short-lived. VAR canceled the penalty, Miovski simulated a foul, so there was no shot from the penalty spot. Earlier, Elmas shot dangerously, and the visitors' goalkeeper defended well.

And finally a goal and joy in the stands. Super action started by Alioski, Miovski lowered his head to Elmas, and the latter scored masterfully to give Macedonia a 1:0 lead. Immediately after, Bardi to Churlinov, who with a left slant shot beautifully into the near corner and Macedonia's lead of 2:0.

But Malta also scored through Janik for 2:1, after a mix-up before our goal in the 85th minute. Until the end, the guests went with all their strength to equalize, but our players were careful for the final 2:1.

Qualification for EURO 2024

MACEDONIA – MALTA 2:1 (0:0)

Arena "Todor Proeski" in Skopje. Viewers: 10,000. Referee: Kristo Tohver (Estonia). Scorers: Elmas 66., Churlinov 73. (MAK), Yanik 86. Zh. Cards: Bardi, Alioski, Miovski, Atanasov (MAK), Christensen, Teuma, Borg (MAL). Red cards:  Blagoja Milevski - head coach (MAK).

MACEDONIA: Dimitrievski, Zajkov, Musliu, Velkovski (58. Churlinov), Ristovski, Alioski (80. Ashkovski), Atanasov, Bardi, Elmas, Trajkovski (58. Nestorovski), Miovski (80. M. Ristovski).

Head coach: Blagoja Milevski.

MALTA: Bonello, Apapp, Borg, Attard, J. Mbong, Gulamier, Christensen (78. Yannick), Camenzuli (78. Korbalan), Teuma (85. Paiber), P. Mbong (67. Dimesh), Satariano (84. Jones).

Head coach: Michele Marcolini