Chapter 394: North Macedonia
Euro Cup Qualifiers: Croatia vs. North Macedonia
Starting lineups:
Croatia (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Subašić
Defenders: Pranjić, Šimunić, Robert Kovač, Srna
Midfielders: Dujmović, Vukojević, Modrić, Rakitić
Forwards: Mandžukić, Šuker
North Macedonia (5-4-1):
Goalkeeper: Felaino
Defenders: Robert, Noveski, Saruski, Fred, Wiliski
Midfielders: Ilko, Alexander, Kadruski, Pandev
Forward: Goran
Among North Macedonia's squad, although young, Pandev is clearly their star player.
He receives immense attention from the Macedonian fans, much like Croatian fans do for Šuker.But their fates are quite different.
Pandev came through Inter Milan's youth academy and rose to prominence early, producing excellent performances. He even once led Lazio to defeat Juventus, earning praise from then-coach Capello.
With such displays, he deserved more recognition and fame—but it never truly came.In professional football, talent overflows like water—free and relentless.
He met his first real rival in Kaká of AC Milan during the 2004/2005 season.Pandev realized for the first time what it meant that there's always someone better.
Then came the 2005/2006 season—Šuker arrived in Serie A.His performance was nothing short of crazy, becoming the attacking core of a club like AC Milan within just one year.
Pandev, once proud of his talent, felt completely outclassed by these true prodigies.And now, once again, he stood in front of Šuker.
Šuker had become the benchmark and challenge for the younger generation—he stood at the center of the spotlight, adored by thousands.Countless players wanted to bring him down—Pandev among them.
Since he failed at the club level, he now set his sights on redemption at the national team level.Pandev stared intensely at Šuker—an image Mandžukić noticed.
"He wants to take you down,"Mandžukić said quietly.
Šuker replied, "Just focus on playing your game. Doesn't matter what they want."
Mandžukić blinked.
Wait—when Rakitić wanted to go after me, that wasn't how they reacted…Everyone just seems to assume Šuker will win.
Mandžukić paused.Come to think of it, he believed that too.
Soon, the players entered the pitch.
As the national anthem played, the Croatian players and fans sang together in the Maksimir Stadium, waiting for kickoff.
Captains met for the coin toss—Croatia won the right to kick off.
"Let's go! Let's go!"
Šuker shouted,
"Tomi, try a shot right away!"
"Leave it to me!"
Dujmović patted his chest.
"Welcome to the 2008 Euro Qualifiers! It's Croatia vs. North Macedonia at home!"
"North Macedonia has performed impressively in their last three matches—can they pull off another upset against group leaders Croatia?"
"They're still going with a packed defense, which gave both England and Russia a real headache. Let's see if it works against Croatia."
With commentator Kraushevich's voice echoing, the match began.
Whistle blew. Šuker and Mandžukić passed the ball backward and ran in opposite directions.
Modrić received the ball and spotted Šuker being closely marked, so he moved sideways, shook off his marker, and fed Dujmović on the wing.
Dujmović advanced—slowly.
He touched the ball forward, lifted his head. Touched again, lifted again.
"No one's marking me?"
He felt a bit annoyed.
He stepped closer to goal—about 20 meters out—and saw the keeper standing slightly forward.
This is a chance!
"Shoot it!"Šuker yelled.
Dujmović launched a shot…
High.The ball flew over the net into the stands.
"Oh~~~ no!"
"Classic Tomi again!"
"You never fail to entertain!"
His teammates jeered.Dujmović blushed in embarrassment.
"Didn't get under it. Let me warm up a bit," he explained.
Srna clapped:
"Don't worry about it. Just keep adjusting—you can do it."
Dujmović looked touched—until Srna added:
"But after three tries and still missing—you're getting a beating!"
Dujmović sulked.
Meanwhile, Macedonia's keeper collected the ball and launched it forward.
"Watch Pandev!"
Šuker called out.
Vukojević moved in—both he and Pandev jumped for the ball.
Wham!Vukojević cleared it to the other half—Mandžukić picked it up and passed to Šuker.
Two defenders rushed in, hoping to pressure Šuker before he could control it.
But Šuker wouldn't allow it—he turned, shielded the ball, and jumped to absorb the contact, then poked the ball with his toe to pass it away.
"So calm!"
Commentator Kraushevich praised.
Šuker always delivered under pressure—safely distributing the ball and neutralizing danger.
He then dropped back into defense.
"No rush, take it slow!"
Šuker shouted.
"Let Tomi try another long shot!"
"Shut up!"
Dujmović roared.
Calling it out loud just told the Macedonians what to expect!
They understood Croatian, after all.
Sure enough, every North Macedonian defender turned toward Dujmović. Their sharp stares made him sweat.
"Šuker! Damn you!"
Boom!
At that moment, Modrić chipped the ball into the penalty box.
"Go up for it!"
Macedonia's keeper shouted.
Noveski raised his hand and yelled:
"Mine! Don't challenge!"
Just as he was about to jump, Mandžukić barreled in like a tank.
"Oh no!"
Noveski panicked.
Where's the help? Why didn't anyone block him?
Just as he jumped—
Whistle!
The referee blew.
He pointed toward Croatia's goal and blew again, then gestured at Mandžukić and tapped his own arm.
Warning for aggressive play.
"What'd you do?"Šuker asked.
Mandžukić coughed and said nothing.But Fred pointed at a red mark on his thigh:
"Look! He pinched me—clear foul!"
The referee saw the knockdown but not the pinching—might've been fake—so he didn't penalize further.
Fred swallowed his complaint.
Šuker looked at Mandžukić, impressed.
"Nice! Learning dirty tricks now?"
"Nah," Mandžukić said,"Only one leg. If I switch legs, they'll notice."
Šuker gave him a thumbs-up.