I still remember watching North Macedonia’s national football team during the Euro 2020 qualifiers and thinking, "This isn’t the same team I grew up watching." There was a newfound energy, a sense of belief, and a tactical maturity that signaled something special was brewing. Fast forward to their historic qualification for Euro 2020—their first-ever major tournament—and it’s clear that this team has transformed from underdogs into serious competitors. As someone who’s followed international football for over two decades, I’ve rarely seen such a rapid and inspiring rise. In this article, I’ll dive into what’s driving this ascent, focusing on the key players who’ve made it happen and what the future might hold for this exciting squad.
Let’s start with the obvious: Goran Pandev. At 37, he’s not just a player; he’s an institution. I’ve always admired how he carries himself—calm, experienced, and with that killer instinct in front of goal. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental, especially for the younger players. But what really stands out to me is how the team has built around him without becoming overly reliant on his genius. Take Eljif Elmas, for example. This kid is pure dynamite. At just 22, he’s already showing the kind of versatility and composure that bigger clubs in Europe are starting to notice. I watched him in Napoli’s midfield last season, and his ability to drive forward, pick a pass, and even chip in with goals—like his crucial strike against Germany in the World Cup qualifiers—is something special. He’s not just a prospect; he’s already a cornerstone of this team, and in my opinion, he’s the one who’ll carry the torch once Pandev hangs up his boots.
Then there’s the defensive solidity, which reminds me a bit of what Van Sickle brought to his team—a reliable presence that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely critical. In football terms, think of someone like Stefan Ristovski. He’s not flashy, but his consistency at right-back is remarkable. With a tackle success rate hovering around 68% in recent qualifiers and an average of 2.5 interceptions per game, he’s the kind of player who does the dirty work so the stars can shine. Similarly, Darko Velkovski in central defense has been a rock. I recall one match where he made 12 clearances and won 80% of his aerial duels—stats that might not make headlines but are the backbone of any successful team. It’s this balance between flair and grit that makes North Macedonia so compelling to watch. They don’t just rely on individual brilliance; they work as a unit, much like how Van Sickle’s efficiency in receiving and digging—35.37% and 2.89 per set, respectively—showcased his underrated role in stabilizing his side.
Offensively, the team has evolved beyond just Pandev’s magic. I’m particularly excited by the emergence of players like Aleksandar Trajkovski. His left foot is a wand, and his ability to score from distance adds a different dimension to their attack. Remember that goal against Georgia? A stunning curler from outside the box that sealed their place in the playoffs. It’s moments like these that make me think this team has the potential to spring surprises against more fancied opponents. And let’s not forget Enis Bardhi. His set-piece delivery is among the best in Europe—statistically, he’s scored or assisted on 40% of North Macedonia’s goals from dead-ball situations in the last two years. That’s not just good; it’s world-class, and it gives them a weapon that can turn games in an instant.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright, but it’s not without challenges. The team is aging in some areas—Pandev can’t go on forever—and depth in certain positions, like striker, is a concern. From my perspective, they need to focus on integrating more youth, perhaps from their U21 squad, to ensure sustainability. I’d love to see players like Bojan Miovski get more minutes; he’s shown promise in the domestic league with 15 goals last season, and at 22, he could be the next big thing. Tactically, coach Blagoja Milevski has done a fantastic job implementing a flexible 4-3-3 system that maximizes their strengths, but as opponents study them more, they’ll need to adapt. Personally, I think they should experiment with a 3-5-2 in friendlies to add variety—it could help them control midfield battles better against top-tier teams.
In terms of prospects, qualifying for the 2022 World Cup would be a dream, but realistically, it’s a tough road. They’re in a group with Germany and Romania, and while they’ve already pulled off shocks—like beating Germany 2-1—consistency will be key. If they can maintain their current form and avoid injuries to key players, I wouldn’t bet against them making another splash. Beyond that, the development of their youth infrastructure is crucial. I’ve heard they’re investing in academies, and if that pays off, we could see a new generation ready to take the helm in the next five to ten years. For now, though, this team has captured the hearts of fans like me, and I’m eagerly watching to see how far they can go. In my view, they’re not just a feel-good story; they’re a testament to what belief and hard work can achieve in football.