North Macedonia players celebrating 2-1 victory against Germany during World Cup qualifier at the Schauinsland-Reisen Arena in Duisburg, Germany.

North Macedonia Stuns Germany In World Cup Qualifier

On Mar 31, 2021

Eljif Elmas’ late strike secured a stunning 2-1 away victory for North Macedonia against Germany in their Group J World Cup qualifier encounter at the Schauinsland-Reisen Arena in Duisburg, Germany.

The Germans dominated the game from the first minute, but couldn’t take advantage of their first-half chances as Leon Goretzka hit the bar and Serge Gnabry had a shot saved from close range.

Instead, it was North Macedonia captain Goran Pandev who found the opener against the run of play just before half-time, putting the ball past Marc-André ter Stegen after he was set up by Enis Bardhi.

Germany were made to pay for their wastefulness as they couldn’t convert their chances and the Macedonians pounced.

The Germans continued to press and were rewarded for their effort in the second half. German winger Leroy Sane was fouled by Alioski in the box and a penalty was awarded.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan stepped up and put the ball in the old onion bag to equalise for the hosts.

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scores penalty against North Macedonia

The German has been in prolific form, registering his 14th goal in 2021.

The hosts came close to making it 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining when second-half substitute Timo Werner missed a tap in, shooting the ball wide after an excellent pass from Gündogan.

Then, out of nowhere, North Macedonia put the ball into the net at the other end through Eljif Elmas in the 85th minute to leave the World champions stunned.

North Macedonia’s Eljif Elmas (21) scores winning goal against Germany

Germany failed to capitalise on its dominance throughout the game as they slumped to a shocking 1-2 defeat at home to North Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier.

It’s a famous win for North Macedonia and a bad night for Germany, who are third in their qualifying group after three matches, below Armenia and North Macedonia.

North Macedonia also broke Germany’s remarkable 18-match winning streak in World Cup qualifiers

UEFA World Cup Qualifying results

Group B

Greece 1-1 Georgia

Spain 3-1 Kosovo

Group C

Lithuania 0-2 Italy

Northern Ireland 0-0 Bulgaria

Group D

Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-1 France

Ukraine 1-1 Kazakhstan

Group F

Scotland 4-0 Faroe Islands

Austria 0-4 Denmark

Moldova 1-4 Israel

Group I

Andorra 1-4 Hungary

England 2-1 Poland

San Marino 0-2 Albania

Group J

Armenia 3-2 Romania

Germany 1-2 North Macedonia

Liechtenstein 1-4 Iceland

Chidi Nwoke.